Students at Marymount Academy in Sudbury had the opportunity recently to meet health-care professionals in a variety of fields. The networking event Sept. 29 was a first-of-its-kind and saw 60 students from grades 10 to 12. “They’re here to give students a little bit of insight as to what their day-to-day life is like, what the path is educationally,” said Kat Cameron, medical technology teacher at Marymount Academy. “Give them insight into careers that they otherwise might not have known about or have heard of and didn’t really know what they were about.” Cameron said the event was designed to show students elements of what they’ve been learning in the classroom. “They’re getting this experience of getting out of their comfort zone and engaging with professionals in a way that they wouldn’t have that opportunity to do, maybe before they get into the workforce later on,” she said. “We’re trying to give them a life skill that can apply to everything and not just school or work.” There were representatives from NOSM University and numerous fields from Health Sciences North, including respiratory therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, dietetics and nuclear medicine. Karen Lafleur, project coordinator of recruitment at HSN, said the initiative grew out of a research project that identified a gap in student knowledge regarding these types of healthcare careers. “There are some (jobs) that are a little bit more challenging to recruit for than others,” Lafleur said. “Then, adding careers as well that students who may not want to be patient-facing but still working in health care.” Debbie Bakare, a Grade 12 student, said she is hoping to be a medical doctor one day. “I feel like a fair like this is just putting me more out there,” Bakare said. ‘I’m so grateful’ “I understand the medical field so much more now because of this class. I’m so grateful for it because I learned (some of) the little things I’m going to need.” Grade 12 student Mikayla O’Neill said the fair gave her a chance to explore other career options while giving her peace of mind. “I know that I want to be a veterinary surgeon, but I know that’s a very complicated course to take. And, like, my worst fear is like, not being able to get that goal and just being stuck where I am,” O’Neill said. “Just honestly being here, learning about all of this has made me so much more confident.” Cameron said Marymount plans to make the networking fair an annual event. Lafleur said HSN will be hosting similar events at six other schools this year.
