BUCKHANNON – Nine Buckhannon-Upshur High School students have committed to participate in the county’s first MedEd program.
Students and their families attended a signing ceremony at the B-UHS auditorium on Thursday, May 7. The nine students signed certificates stating they would participate in the program, which gives them a chance to get an in-depth look into different medical fields.
According to a press release from WVU Medicine, the MedEd program offers current sophomores at Buckhannon-Upshur High School the opportunity to pursue a direct career path as a patient care technician during their junior and senior years. The program is provided at no cost to students and includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning and a paid internship at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital. Upon successful completion, students may be eligible to sit for a certification exam.
The B-U students who participated in the signing ceremony included Bridget Cogar, Brianna Linger, Alyena McIe, Chandalea Moats, Shayden Rogers, Katelin Satterfield, Autumn Tanner, Keldon Walton and Madalynn Winans.
Kathryn Woofter, principal of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, said the new program makes it possible for students to experience jobs in the medical field firsthand.
“Today is a special occasion as we celebrate the signing day of the students participating in the inaugural MedEd program at Buckhannon-Upshur High School,” Woofter said. “This program represents an exciting new chapter for our students and our community, providing a unique opportunity for students to explore and prepare for careers in the healthcare field. The MedEd program is a result of a strong partnership between St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Education Alliance and Buckhannon-Upshur High School. Through this collaboration, students will gain both valuable classroom instruction and hands-on experience within the hospital setting.”
- Kathryn Woofter
Woofter said she was excited to see the first group go through the program.
“Because of this collaboration, our students now have access to experience that will prepare them for meaningful futures, while helping address the growing need for healthcare professionals within our own communities,” Woofter said. “We are excited to see this program in action, to watch these students grow through their experiences, and to see the impact they will make, both during and after graduation.”
John Forester, interim president and CEO of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, said the program will be a first step into the medical field for each of the nine participants.
“I hope that you appreciate and understand the gravity of what you are doing today. The MedEd program is a launching pad for you. It’s going to get you into the healthcare system, which will reap benefits and rewards,” Forester said. “Today, you are making an investment in your future, and you’re making an investment in the lives of the individuals that live in this country, because you’re going to be taking care of them.”
- John Forester
Forester emphasized how the medical field needs more people across the board.
“We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so that takes a lot of work, a lot of effort, and we need good, qualified people to do that,” Forester said. “There are all kinds of things you can do. You can get into a job, experience other things and discover you want to be a rad tech or a nuclear med tech or a physician, so this is a great opportunity for you to have that exposure.”
He also said the field can bring great personal fulfillment.
“Working in healthcare provides a combination of deep personal fulfillment and a great opportunity to have a great life,” Forester said. “I want to congratulate you all for taking this initiative and being part of our first cohort, and I hope to see you around the hospital.”
Robert Hall, executive director of the Education Alliance, said the MedEd program became possible through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to create new career education models.
- Robert Hall
“It was based on a premise that if we start early with 10th graders and ninth graders, educating them on what some of the job opportunities were in the state,” Hall said. “Then we designed a program where they could stay in their school in 11th grade and make a few field trips out to businesses and learn about that, and then in the senior year, do intensive internships and externships in that business and prepare them for high-quality, high-wage jobs in West Virginia.”
The Education Alliance identified two employment needs in the state, and one of them was in the medical field.
“The hard part is signing your name to your certificate. What you’re signing is making a commitment,” Hall said. “You’re saying, ‘I’m committed to this. I’m going to step up, and I’m going to be a part of this.’ Thank you so much. I’ll be around the classroom; I’ll be around the hospital to cheer you on.”
