Helping rural students explore careers in health care

June 9, 2026

What does a career in health care actually look like? More than 400 high school students from Logan Lake, Salmon Arm and Vernon got the chance to find out this spring.

The Healthcare Travelling Roadshow, which visited communities across the southern Interior in early May, is a grassroots initiative that brings multidisciplinary post-secondary health students into rural communities to inspire high school students to explore careers in health care.

Interior Health is a proud partner in the initiative alongside the University of Northern British Columbia, UBC Faculty of Medicine, Northern Medical Programs Trust, Island Health and the Rural Education Action Plan.

In this Story…

Learn more about the Healthcare Travelling Roadshow

Check out Career Exploration opportunities with IH

Learn more about the Healthcare Travelling Roadshow

An instructor shows students how to use a piece of medical equipment. — Inspiring the next generation of health-care heroes.

During the visits to communities across the southern Interior, students connected directly with presenters and learners in medicine, nursing, midwifery, respiratory therapy, paramedicine, social work and audiology, gaining insight into these careers through interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and meaningful conversations.

When we give youth, especially rural youth, a front-row seat to health care and let them hear directly from peers already on that path it strips away the intimidation factor. Initiatives like this help transform what might seem like a massive career goal into a practical, believable and inspiring roadmap for their future.

-- Sarah Lauman, IH external partnerships coordinator

For many students, the annual roadshow offers an opportunity to explore health-care careers in a practical and approachable way. They can ask questions, try new activities and, perhaps most importantly, speak directly with people who are actively studying and working in these fields.

The roadshow also highlights the unique experiences and opportunities available in rural health-care settings.

"It was great having future health-care practitioners visit our rural site in Merritt," said Mark Bagabuyo, manager of clinical operations at Nicola Valley Hospital (NVH). "They asked great questions and it was nice to share the perspectives and nuances that accompany many rural communities."

A smiling group of people pose together on a large mining truck — The roadshow team stops for a photo at a roadside attraction.

Mark says rural practice can be an especially rewarding career path for those who enjoy variety and problem-solving.

"If you like fast-paced work that requires you to think outside the box and problem-solve with the resources available, consider working in a rural setting."

Since launching in 2010, the Healthcare Travelling Roadshow has connected with more than 16,500 students through visits to rural communities across B.C. This year's program also included two northern B.C. tours and one Vancouver Island tour.