Empowering the Next Generation of Female STEM Professionals: The Summer HealthCare Experience

The gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields remains a persistent issue in many societies. Efforts to close this gap have been ongoing, and one such initiative that has been making strides in this direction is the Summer HealthCare Experience (SHE) program. The SHE program primarily focuses on encouraging high school girls to consider careers in STEM fields, with a particular emphasis on cancer research.

Overview of the SHE Program

Organized by IU Health, the SHE program is a six-week internship for high school students. It aims to provide them with a practical taste of various medical careers. This initiative is a partnership between IU Health and Indianapolis Public Schools, with the objective of offering hands-on experiences that prepare students for healthcare careers.

The program includes 23 students, predominantly females, who rotate through multiple medical specialties over the six weeks. While the students do not assist with patient care, they are fully immersed in the organization, thus fostering a culture of learning and growth.

Program Outcomes and Opportunities

Upon graduation and completion of the program, students are offered a job within IU Health. Furthermore, they receive tuition assistance to complete a related post-secondary degree. The students also participate in personal development courses, preparing them for leadership roles in their healthcare careers. The SHE program aims to expose students to careers beyond the clinical side of healthcare, including research, system operations, guest relations, volunteer services, and philanthropy.

Broader Impacts and Collaborations

The SHE program is not the only initiative that encourages young girls to think about their futures and wellbeing. The HCA Healthcare Foundation has sponsored the Girl Scouts of the USA Mental Wellness Patch Program. This program aims to teach young girls to recognize and understand their feelings, cope with mental health challenges effectively, and feel comfortable seeking help.

This program is a collaboration between GSUSA, NAMI, and the HCA Healthcare Foundation. Colleagues at HCA Healthcare, many of whom are Girl Scout alumnae, are championing mental health, including Melanie Feitig, a trauma abstractor, and Sherri Neal, HCA Healthcare's Chief Diversity Officer.

Conclusion

Programs like the SHE and the Mental Wellness Patch Program are crucial in shaping the future of STEM and healthcare. They not only provide young girls with exposure to various career paths but also equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. By doing so, these programs are paving the way for a more gender-balanced future in STEM and healthcare fields.