
AHECSW's Bright Works Oregon Healthcare Team Program (BWO HT Program) started out its Fall programming by sending 11 students from Douglas County to explore
healthcare educational pathways at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest (COMPNW) and Oregon Health and Sciences University
(OHSU). The students that participated in this trip were part of the Bright Works Oregon Healthcare Team Summer Leadership Program. Students enrolled
in the leadership program had to go through 20+ hours of professional development and career exploration before being accepted for this trip. Additionally,
they were also required to complete a community health project and this summer they chose to focus on a tobacco prevention initiative. The students
selected were interested in a variety of career pathways including: nursing, dentistry, physician assistant, and physician. Many of the students selected
have also expressed an interest in coming back to serve in a rural community upon completion of their education.
Emma Myers, a junior at Douglas High School in Winston, OR, shared her thoughts on her experience and how it helped to build her confidence. Emma stated
that, "Before going to the OHSU campus, med school was surrounded in this mystic haze. It felt like it was some impossible goal, but after going there and meeting their staff I was suddenly aware that these people were just people like me. It helped me realize that my goals were reachable"
Soon after the trip our chapter meetings kicked off in Douglas County. We currently have 33 students enrolled with a representation from Camas Valley Charter
School, Douglas High School, Glide High School, Phoenix Charter School, Oakland High School, Oregon Virtual Academy, Roseburg High School, and Yoncalla
High School. The chapters are being lead by our college pre-health advisers, Lucas Short and Jason Duval. We have had some great presentations already!
We had a wonderful presentation from the Umpqua Community College nursing students.The nursing students were able to present on the steps required
to get into the nursing program, the nursing thinking process, and basic vitals. Our advisers were also able to instruct students on how to build a
resume and gastroenterology careers. Randy Chase visited our group to discuss the value of communication as a skill for future success and to help
support a rat dissection that focused on the digestive system after our discussion on gastroenterology. Through the BWO program our students were additionally
able to celebrate Rural Healthcare Day by recognizing local providers, provide outreach in the community during Halloween with South River Community
Health Center, and attend a surgical viewing at Providence Medical Center to view a total knee replacement with an orthopedic surgeon.
Emily Do, a junior at Roseburg High School in Roseburg, OR, interested in becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), commented on her experience in the program
stating that, "The BWO team has given me an opportunity to fulfill a leadership position while working with new individuals who share my interest in the medical field. I have gained new skills with surgical viewings, dissections, seminars, and working with healthcare professionals. This program has reassured my passion in healthcare careers."

While
future nursing student and senior at Roseburg High School, Crystal Rodriguez, has found the program to be, "impactful, educational, and inspiring" Crystal
shared, "I have enjoyed my experiences with AHECSW throughout the fall semester from dissecting a rat to learning how to become a Registered Nurse.I have learned and gained so much, as well as having the opportunity to show appreciation to the healthcare community around me for supporting not only this amazing program, but for providing amazing care for people in Roseburg."

Taylor Kuntz, a junior at Sutherlin High School in Sutherlin, OR, who aspires to be an anesthesiologist, discussed her appreciation for this program and
opportunity by saying, "The BWO program has given me amazing opportunities to advance in my medical field aspirations. Living in a rural community makes it difficult to get hands-on experience with professionals; but thanks to this program I have been able to view a live surgery, take a tour of OHSU, and get CPR certified. The program also gives me a chance to give back to my community."
The AHECSW team loves the enthusiasm and passion our amazing team of students has demonstrated so far this Fall for rural healthcare. We look forward to
welcoming more students into the program this year that have an interest in healthcare. The students in our program not only want to pursue this career,
but they have shown that they care about their community and the people in it. Our support from our local partners has continued to be wonderful. We
appreciate their continued commitment to inspire youth in our community, as well as provide unique opportunities.
OHSU & COMPNW Experience
AHEC Program Office
COMPNW
OHSU CRNA Program
OHSU PA Program
OHSU Medical School Admissions
OHSU Simulation Lab
OHSU Surgical Department
BWO Fall Chapters
Phoenix Charter School- Chapter Host
Randy Chase- Presenter
South River Community Health Center- Chapter Host, Presenter, and Event Partner
Umpqua Community College Nursing Students- Presenter
Providence Hospital Surgical Viewing
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Cortney Humbert, Nursing Student- Volunteer
Gabrielle Webster, Phoenix School Teacher- Volunteer
Fall Supporters
DA Davidson
Mercy Medical Center
Umpqua Valley Regional STEAM Hub
Fall Program Staff
Jason Duval, Pre-Health Advisor and Winston Chapter Leader
Lucas Short, Pre-Health Advisor and Roseburg Chapter Leader
Rose Zoellner, Program Director