Ask students from Hillcrest High School about careers in the medical field, and they are likely to name positions other than a doctor or a nurse. That’s because Dr. Michael Ugwueke, administrator at Methodist South Hospital, and his team have joined with neighboring Hillcrest High School to implement a program to teach students about the growing number of non-clinical service occupations within the hospital.

Methodist South is currently guiding 13 Hillcrest High students through its Service Learning Program, which lasts one school year. The students, who are chosen to participate by the school principal or school officials, learn overall job readiness skills such as good work ethic and the importance of having a service-oriented attitude. Students are also given the opportunity to shadow employees in the hospital’s non-clinical departments, such as patient access, pharmacy, case management, community development, dietary and human resources.

“The goal of Methodist’s Service Learning Program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, whether they pursue a healthcare related career or not,” said Methodist South Administrator, Dr. Michael Ugwueke. “This program teaches students volunteerism, civic pride, responsibility and scholarship, while exploring career opportunities in healthcare.”

Students participating in the program report that the Service Learning Program has helped them to prepare for the workforce by teaching them responsibility and leadership skills, which ultimately helps build character 

“This is an excellent learning experience, especially if you want to go into the medical field. It is also a good way to learn skills that will help you prepare for society and the workforce,” said Terryck Henry, a senior at Hillcrest High School. “My favorite aspect of the program is speaking with the patients and helping them. I have learned a lot from them.”

The students from this year’s Service Learning Program will participate in a program graduation at Methodist South in May. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare hopes to implement this program at each of its facilities in the future.