JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --
The 15th Medical Group hosted nine students for Career Shadow Day, here, March 28 to teach future generations of medical providers about Air Force medicine.
Students from Radford High School were able to visit the 15th MDG due to coordination between the Hawaii Department of Education and the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam School Liaison Office.
The outreach event was held in support of the Joint Venture Education Forum, a partnership between the U.S. Pacific Command military community and Hawaii DOE to meet the unique needs of military children and their families in public schools.
According to Lt. Col. Kasi Chu, 15th Medical Operations Squadron staff physician, outreach events like Career Shadow Day give military members a chance to encourage future generations of leaders and give back to the community.
“We are happy to host the students and encourage them in their interest in medicine, maybe even plant the seeds for future work in the Air Force Medical Service which offers amazing opportunities,” Chu said. “Events like this allow us to be more involved in, and strengthen the relationship with, the local community which is always a positive thing."
During the visit, Radford upperclassmen learned about the paths to becoming a health care provider in the Air Force and the educational requirements for each career. They also learned how the Air Force offers scholarships for undergraduate degrees and medical school.
After a brief introduction to Air Force medicine, students were divided into groups to shadow six health care providers in family health, pediatrics, flight medicine and physical therapy.
“The student I had assigned to me was able to shadow me and see patients with me,” said Dr. John Bossian, 15th MDOS staff physician. “I like interacting with our young people. I like opening their eyes to the multitude of opportunities in the health care field, whether that’s as a doctor, nurse, physician assistant, or one of the various types of technicians.”
For more information on the various programs and events available to students in the local community, contact the JBPHH School Liaison Office at 471-3662.