UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital relaunches summer career exploration program
July 01, 2024
Area students will have the opportunity to explore career options in healthcare thanks to a summer program hosted by Chenango County’s sole hospital.
Designed for students entering 8th or 9th grade, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Career Day Camp is a two-day program involving hands-on and experiential learning across a number of hospital departments.
“The students get to see and experience so many different aspects of healthcare, including watching an ultrasound performed, mock arthroscopic surgery, safe patient handling and so much more,” explained Becky Yacano, who has coordinated the program for much of the last two decades.
According to Yacano, the program was offered each summer prior to the pandemic. She and others involved with it are eager for it to resume.
“Where else can local students get an opportunity like this? This exposure can help them decide not only if healthcare is right for them, but what type of career path resonates most,” she explained.
Coordinating the program falls a little outside Yacano’s regular job description as Supervisor of Respiratory Therapy at UHS Chenango Memorial. However, it’s been something of a passion project for her since she knows the value of being exposed to healthcare careers at a young age. She herself chose her profession because of her mother, who suffered from a respiratory illness while Yacano was in high school. She has spent her entire career at the Norwich hospital.
“I celebrated 34 years in May,” she said.
The two-day day camp will take place on Thursday, August 15 and Friday, August 16. While there is no cost to participate, space is limited. Any students interested in attending must fill out an application and submit an essay. Only applications received by Friday, July 22 will be considered.
For more information about the program, its participation requirements, and/or to request an application, contact Brian Day, Volunteer and Student Services Manager, at brian.day@nyuhs.org or call (607) 337-4151.
