The 2025-26 fall semester of Vandalia Health’s Davis Academy is underway at Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center and Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital, with 25 high school students from Randolph and Barbour counties gaining hands-on experience in health care careers through the immersive internship program.
In partnership with Randolph and Barbour County Technical Centers and the Highland Adventist School, the Davis Academy pairs high school juniors and seniors with professional mentors across multiple departments throughout the semester, including nursing, laboratory, radiology, information technology, women’s health care, marketing and others.
“The Davis Academy is an investment in the next generation of health care professionals,” said Diana Landsverk, RN, BSN, MBA, chief nursing officer for Davis Medical Center. “By working side-by-side with our team, students gain real-world insight into the many diverse roles within a health system, helping them make informed career decisions.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Davis Academy has welcomed dozens of students who have gone on to pursue careers and advanced education in nursing, allied health and technical fields. By providing high school students with direct exposure to patient care and hospital operations, the Davis Academy not only builds interest in health careers but also helps strengthen the future workforce for rural West Virginia communities.
The program gives students the chance to shadow health care providers and staff in clinical and nonclinical areas; develop practical skills and firsthand knowledge of health care careers; and understand the teamwork and dedication required to provide excellent patient care.
Ron Andro, senior vice president of Davis Health System and chief administrative officer of Davis Medical Center, said, “This program is about more than internships. It’s about inspiring students, building confidence and showing them the impact they can have on the health and well-being of others within their community.”
The academy’s success comes from its community partnerships and the strong bonds students develop during their semester-long experience.
Chad Ware, Davis Academy program director and system leader of workforce, community and physician engagement at Davis Medical Center, said, “The partnerships we’ve built with the local technical centers have been outstanding. The relationships the students build with their mentors and the staff they work with, as well as the patients they help to serve, provide the interns invaluable lessons. There is nothing like seeing the students grow and flourish in their surroundings as they prepare for a career in health care.”
For more information about the Davis Academy, please contact Ware at 304-637-3378.
