Elkins, W.Va. – Davis Medical Center’s (DMC) “Davis Academy” is currently taking applications for the 2022-2023 internship program. The Academy targets high school graduates who are undecided about a career path or who are not planning to go to college.
The Academy provides paid, job-related education and coaching to create workers fully competent for a healthcare career. During the 10-month program, workers cycle through the following DMC departments: Outpatient Clinics, Patient Registration, Surgical Services, Medical Lab, Nursing, and Information Technology. Each department has a designated mentor to ensure performance competencies are successfully completed.
“It’s an ideal way to earn as you learn,” said Academy Director, Melissa “Dulane” Casto, RN. “Not a lot of internship programs offer an hourly wage and benefits. It’s one of the ways our program is uniquely different.”
In May 2022, The Academy will have concluded its first year with two interns prepared to enter the healthcare workforce.
“I’d really like to thank Davis Medical Center for the opportunity. Without the Academy, I wouldn’t have discovered a love for the medical field, be up to my neck in student loan debt, and still unsure of what I want to do. This program truly gave me the identity I was searching for,” said Intern Natalie Phillips.
Glyserine Raboy, another intern was also thankful for the experience. “Being a part of this program is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Having the chance to experience new things and learning at the same time was so valuable and I really am excited to see what the future holds,” Raboy commented. “Without the Academy, and the people behind it all, I really don’t know where I would be right now.”
Both interns agree that rotating through different departments took them beyond their “comfort zone” at times.
“The department mentors provided such great guidance, and helped me develop clinical skills I had never considered,” added Ms. Phillips.
Dulane Casto said the Academy’s first year was a great success, and looks forward to expanding the number of interns in 2022.
Information and applications about the DMC Academy are available on the website https://www.dhsacademy.com/, or by calling Dulane Casto, RN 304.637.3523 or email casto.dulane@davishealthsystem.org. The application deadline is April 25, 2022.
