On January 22, the Health Sciences Academy, a collaborative partnership between Interior Health (IH) and School District 73 (Kamloops-Thompson), celebrated a significant milestone: the successful conclusion of its first-ever semester.
Launched in September 2024, this innovative program gives grade 11 and 12 students a unique opportunity to explore exciting health-care careers by immersing them in a range of in-demand roles.
With a strong focus on real-world, hands-on experiences, the program allows students to shadow IH health-care professionals, giving them the chance to observe, ask questions and learn the nuances of these highly specialized career paths.
Seeing the possibilities in health-care careers
Every Wednesday, from October to January, participants explored 18 different IH departments, both at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) and community sites like Ponderosa Lodge and Overlander long-term care homes. From pharmacy to physiotherapy, to cardiology and beyond, the students gained valuable insights into the diverse and essential roles that make up our health-care system.
“Thanks to IH, this program has come to fruition,” says Marie Busch, a teacher with the Health Sciences Academy. “My favourite days of the week were Thursday mornings when I’d have a lineup of students eager to share the amazing things they had learned the day before. Their eyes have been opened to many other possibilities they didn’t even know existed. While classroom learning is important, it’s rarely as impactful as seeing professionals in action.”
The wrap-up event celebrated the students' hard work and newly ignited passion for health care. In a strong show of support for this initiative, many IH leaders were present to recognize and honour the students for their impressive achievements throughout the semester.
The event included brief speeches, including one from Gerry Desilets, executive director, RIH Clinical Operations, who also presented each student with a special gift from IH in recognition of their achievements.
Gerry expressed his admiration for the students, saying, “I was amazed by the dedication and hard work of this group. They did an incredible job with their presentations and capstone projects. I’m excited to see this group of students enter the health-care field in the future, and I’m looking forward to working with next year’s cohort to continue providing these unique opportunities.”
The students showcased their capstone projects—a graduation requirement—with many focusing on the highlights of their experience with the Health Sciences Academy.
“All of my work placements with Interior Health were gifts to me,” says Alicia Evans, a grade 12 student. “Getting to watch behind the scenes and see for myself the skills that health-care workers need for success was eye-opening and inspiring. It makes me excited to join the workforce myself after graduation!”
Paving the way for future health-care professionals
The Health Sciences Academy is an example of how educational partnerships can open doors for young people. Other IH and school district partnerships include the Enhanced Youth Program at Shuswap Lake Hospital, and the Okanagan College Health Care Sampler.
"We recognize the incredible potential of young people across IH and are taking innovative steps to pave the way for a new generation of health-care professionals," says Sarah Lauman, coordinator, External Partnerships, IH Recruitment. “As these students move forward with their schooling, many could continue to pursue their passion for health sciences and make a positive impact in their communities.”
Here’s to a successful semester, our generous IH health-care professional hosts, and to many more students who will have the opportunity to join the Health Sciences Academy in the future.
Learn more about Career Exploration with IH
We provide career exploration job shadow experiences for grade 10, 11 and 12 students, as well as high school and post-secondary students, and community members. For questions about Career Explorations, email the recruitment team at CareerExploration@InteriorHealth.ca.
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