More than 160 high school students from across Kauai got a firsthand look at the diverse world of medicine at the Wilcox Health Career Fair.
Students from Kapaa, Kauai and Waimea high schools and Island School attended the event at Wilcox Medical Center. The fair aims to inspire the next generation of homegrown professionals by showing them the wide range of opportunities available on Kauai.
“We are so proud to host this career fair for our high school students,” Jen Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center, and CEO of Kauai Medical Clinic, said. “Supporting today’s students is supporting the next generation and investing in our future.”
The fair featured more than 20 booths hosted by various departments at Wilcox Health, including the Emergency Department, intensive care unit, imaging, pharmacy and rehabilitation services. Students got to visit a simulation lab, which uses highly advanced computerized manikins to mimic real-life medical scenarios. They learned how to give CPR and received hands-on experience with equipment that surgeons use to perform lifesaving operations. They also went on guided tours of Wilcox for a behind-the-scenes look at the largest medical center on Kauai.
“We’re really grateful to be here,” David Braman, Kauai High School student, said. “In a setting like this, where we hope to work one day, getting to learn about the future possibilities from people in those jobs right now — it’s a huge opportunity for us.”
Several booths also showcased nonclinical professions that are vital in medical centers, such as environmental services, facilities maintenance and food and nutrition services.
“We wanted to show students that there are more positions than doctors and nurses at Wilcox,” Cathye Sataraka, Wilcox vice president of patient services and chief nurse executive, said. “We’re glad students got to visit all the different booths and departments to see what may pique their interest.”
In addition to the career fair, Wilcox, in partnership with the state Department of Education, offers a program at Kauai high schools that trains students to be nurse aides while they’re still in school.
The program, which launched at Kapaa High School in 2022, is a semester-long course that includes classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. Graduates of the program can demonstrate 87 fundamental nurse aide skills. Graduates are also given priority employment consideration at Wilcox and other Hawaii Pacific Health facilities across the state, allowing them to get a head start on their careers as they continue their education.
The program has since expanded to Waimea High School. Last year, 17 students from Waimea and Kapaa participated in the nurse aide program. All 17 graduated.
Photo (top): Waimea High School students visit a CT scan room at Wilcox Medical Center.
Photo (inset 1): Students got hands-on experience with equipment that surgeons use to perform surgeries.
Photo (inset 2): Dr. Manon Kwon, Wilcox emergency medicine physician, interacts with students at the Wilcox Health Career Fair.