Oshawa, Ontario – Lakeridge Health is helping high school students discover exciting futures and careers in health care and beyond at events like the recent Pathways to Care symposium that attracted more than 150 students from across Durham Region. Created to help tackle the growing health human resources challenge across the Region, Pathways to Care gave grade nine and 10 students a fun, hands-on look at all the amazing careers available beyond the traditional health-care fields including those in research, ethics, finance, lab technology and communications.
“I’ve always been interested in health care since I completed my lifeguarding courses,” said Alayna Thompson, Grade 10 student, Uxbridge Secondary School. “I’ve started to think about my future and am thinking about a career as a nurse practitioner. I got to talk to people who have been through the journey and also see other specialized fields that I didn’t even know existed.”
From lab techs to researchers, and ethicists to nutritionists, students heard from professionals in a variety of roles during inspiring panel talks. They also had a chance to participate in interactive activities led by the Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network (LHEARN), Ontario Tech University, and Durham College, plus get exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of hospital areas.
"We were so proud to welcome high school students to Lakeridge Health to explore the many diverse clinical and non-clinical careers paths available and help them imagine their future at our organization,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “It was incredible to see such a large turnout. No doubt our future looks bright! Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health., we’re committed to collaborating with our partners to support the next generation of professionals who will shape a more inclusive, innovative, and compassionate health-care system.”
The Pathways to Care event united experts across Lakeridge Health to help youth think beyond the traditional health-care careers of nurse and physician. Team members from every program area stepped up and expressed interest, including many non-traditional health-care roles that are in high demand today including diagnostic imaging and laboratory medicine technology.
“We hoped to bring the students into the hospital to gain exposure to the diverse opportunities available in health care and the interest we received was overwhelming - all 150 spots for the event were filled within the day!” said Heidi McHattie, Manager, Academic Affairs, and LHEARN, Lakeridge Health. “It’s clear Durham Region youth are ready to explore careers in health care.”
With the success of the Pathways to Care event, Lakeridge Health hopes to run the event twice a year for high school students, in the spring for grades nine and 10 and fall for grades 11 and 12.
“Discovery begins with curiosity—and events like this show just how powerful that first step can be,” said Dr. Randy Wax, Chief of Staff, Lakeridge Health. “You don’t need all the answers today. Exploring your interests is already a leap toward a meaningful future in health care. We’re proud to open our doors to students from a wide range of backgrounds, especially those who may have faced barriers to accessing opportunities like this. Early exposure, experience, and mentorship can ignite aspirations and help shape a health care workforce that reflects the full diversity of Durham Region.”
About Lakeridge Health
With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, more than 20 community health-care locations and a state-of-the-art surgical centre within the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.
Lakeridge Health is also home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, eye care, thoracic, gynecology oncology and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, and provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
Lakeridge Health is redefining the future of health care through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and groundbreaking clinical trials. With over 140 active studies, we’re at the forefront of advancing medical knowledge, expanding treatment options, and improving the lives of our patients. Our one-of-a-kind Queen's-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program is on the leading edge of training the next generation of primary care doctors. Each year, over 3,000 students and trainees are supported by the Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network (LHEARN). Through our innovative collaboration with Ontario Tech University, we’re also harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize patient care. Together with our academic, community, and industry partners, Lakeridge Health is tackling the toughest health challenges and elevating the quality of care for the communities we serve.
Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a proud member of the Durham Ontario Health Team (Durham OHT) and works in collaboration with the Durham OHT, as well as primary care, and community and government partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
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For more information, please contact:
Sharon Navarro
905-435-7889
snavarro@lh.ca
