On Friday, February 7, 2025, 34 juniors from Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School embarked on an exciting journey into the world of healthcare at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Muhlenberg campus. This unique opportunity allowed students to gain hands-on experience, explore various career pathways, and engage with healthcare professionals across multiple departments.
The visit was made possible through the collaborative efforts of LVH-Muhlenberg and HNL Lab Medicine. Special thanks to the dedicated teams in the Emergency Department, HNL Lab Medicine, Perioperative Care, Rehab Services, and Volunteer Services, who provided invaluable insights and interactive learning experiences for our students.
Hands-On Learning with HNL Lab Medicine
Students participated in a hands-on urinalysis activity with Katie Moore from HNL Lab Medicine. This mock lab experience gave them a glimpse into diagnostic testing, a crucial component of patient care. By engaging in real-world medical procedures, students developed a deeper appreciation for laboratory medicine and its impact on healthcare outcomes.
Immersive Department Tours
Guided by professionals from Volunteer Services (thank you, Lynn Schaeffer!), students toured several key departments:
- Emergency Department: Dr. Kate Kane provided insights into emergency medicine, showing students how fast-paced decisions can save lives.
- Rehab Services: Allison Sawyer and Mark Fuse introduced students to the world of physical therapy and rehabilitation, inspiring at least one student-athlete to consider a career in the field.
- Perioperative Care: Bridgette Ramos, RN, guided students through the OR unit, demonstrating the critical roles nurses, surgeons, and techs play in surgical procedures.
Student Reflections: A Day of Eye-Opening Experiences
The impact of the visit was evident in the students’ enthusiastic feedback.
One student remarked, “I loved being around the nurses and learning about the future potential fields I will be involved with.” Another shared how the experience broadened their perspective on nursing: “Speaking with the registered nurse in the OR unit opened up another department I may want to work in as a nurse. It was interesting to see the different rooms and equipment surgeons, techs, and nurses all have to use.”
For many students, the visit transformed their perception of healthcare. One initially thought hospitals were “boring” but left inspired to pursue a healthcare career. Another student, who originally aspired to be an anesthesiologist, discovered a newfound passion for becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Looking Ahead
This visit reinforced the importance of experiential learning in shaping career aspirations. By engaging directly with healthcare professionals and witnessing the impact of their work, students gained clarity and motivation for their future paths.
Lehigh Valley Academy extends sincere gratitude to the LVH-Muhlenberg staff and HNL Lab Medicine for their dedication to educating and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. We look forward to future opportunities to connect students with real-world experiences that help them explore their passions and career goals.
Lehigh Valley Academy RCS 