Alaska's AHEC: Healthcare Exploration in Nulato
by Jessica Degnan |
Alaska’s Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) are dedicated to providing engaging curriculum and activities for students interested in healthcare. In mid-January, Ian McCarthy and Jessica Degnan from the Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce (ACRH-HW), Alaska AHEC’s Program Office, traveled to Nulato, Alaska, 200 miles northeast of Nome on the Yukon River, for a three-day Healthcare Exploration Camp. Middle and high school students participated in activities focusing on the cardiovascular system, blood pressure, and basic emergency first aid. Students particularly enjoyed dissecting pig hearts in small groups, often comparing the anatomical structure of these hearts to the moose hearts they see more frequently. One high school student felt very inspired after completing the three-day camp, stating, “I am further inclined to increase my knowledge within the medical field, I see myself helping others and having a chance to save someone's life.”
In addition, students had the opportunity to connect with current WWAMI medical students at UAA to learn about their experiences and ask any questions they might have. One WWAMI medical student, spoke passionately about her choice to study medicine, hoping to spark inspiration among the younger students, “I believe healthcare is one of the best ways to connect with and help people,” said Erica Stewart.
Alaska’s AHEC is excited to continue providing healthcare exploration camps all over Alaska with the help of its partners. For more information about these programs, please visit ACRH-HW's website.
CATEGORIES
TAGS
- Awards
- Behavioral Health
- Climate Change
- Community
- COVID-19
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Forensic Care
- Giving
- Simulation
- Workforce Development
ACADEMIC UNITS
- Department of Human Services
- Division of Population Health Sciences
- Justice Center
- School of Allied Health
- School of Nursing
- School of Preventive & Therapeutic Sciences
- School of Social Work
PARTNER PROGRAMS
CENTERS & INSTITUTES
- Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce
- Center for Human Development
- Child Welfare Academy
- Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center
MEDIA INQUIRIES / STORY LEADS