Empowering the Future of Healthcare: The Doctor for a Day Program’s Impact

As we at Southwest Idaho AHEC reflect on the remarkable achievements of the past year, we are compelled to express our deepest gratitude to the individuals and partners who made our transformative Doctor for a Day program a resounding success. At Caldwell High School, a beacon of potential and ambition, students embarked on a journey that not only enriched their knowledge but also strengthened the fabric of healthcare access in our nation.

The genesis of this visionary initiative began a few years ago when Dr. Sarah Gerrish, a dedicated force in the field of medicine and a luminary at Full Circle Health, collaborated with SW ID AHEC Director, Katrina Hoff, to bring the Doctor for a Day program to fruition. Driven by her unwavering commitment to addressing health disparities and her pivotal role as the Chair of the Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Taskforce, Dr. Gerrish's aspiration to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals took root in the form of this program.

With meticulous planning, coordination, and determination, our planning team, including Southwest Idaho AHEC Program Coordinator, Jacelyn Lawson, orchestrated the integration of the program into Caldwell High School. Resident schedules were harmonized, residents were expertly trained, and an illuminating interprofessional panel was organized, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to connect with seasoned healthcare practitioners. Katrina and Jacelyn, recognizing the potential for transformative change, enthusiastically lent SW ID AHEC’s support, both in coordination and financial backing, and proudly became an integral part of this endeavor.

A heartfelt acknowledgment is also extended to Theresa Sigel, the linchpin at Caldwell High School, whose dedication was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Ms. Sigel's unwavering commitment translated into countless hours spent engaging students, orchestrating schedules, ensuring classroom readiness, and ensuring the well-being of all involved. The orchestration of moving parts would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the Caldwell High School team, including Brian Sullivan, Rob King, and Anita Wilson.

The results of this collaboration have been nothing short of extraordinary. A total of 79 students were afforded the opportunity to engage with residents at Full Circle Health, delving into the intricacies of pulmonology, cardiology, diabetes, and orthopedics. The culminating session brought students face-to-face with a panel of esteemed Idaho healthcare professionals, hailing from diverse disciplines such as psychology and pharmacy. Following these dialogues, students participated in a group case and skill presentation focused on dentistry, solidifying their grasp on the multifaceted nature of healthcare.

Through program evaluation tools, we are thrilled to report that every survey respondent attested to the value of this program, and a remarkable 100% expressed an amplified interest in pursuing careers in the healthcare domain. Beyond the statistics, what resonated most profoundly was the declaration that they had not only learned but enjoyed the experience.

As we set our sights on the horizon, we eagerly anticipate the continuation of this transformative program. The Doctor for a Day program will persist in nurturing the aspirations of young minds in the 2023 - 2024 school year and beyond. Our enduring partnership with Full Circle Health and Caldwell High School exemplifies the synergy that arises when shared visions are brought to life. With gratitude and purpose in our stride, we press forward, emboldened by the belief that our collective efforts are paving the way toward a future where healthcare access is fortified, and opportunities are boundless.

If other AHECs have questions regarding early inception, funding, and coordination please contact Katrina Hoff, Director, khoff@jannus.org, or Jacelyn Lawson, Program Coordinator, jlawson@jannus.org. We would be happy to answer your questions.  

---PARTICIPANT QUOTES:

“My participation in Doctor for a Day gave me the opportunity to think more about the ways in which I would have to learn about a diverse number of things that are involved in the profession I am pursuing. Getting to interact with practicing doctors allowed me to ask questions I have never been able to ask. The hands-on activities we participated in helped me to better empathize with those who suffer from ailments. All these things gave me the motivation to pursue a career in rural medicine.”

“By participating in Doctor for a Day I learned that you should never feel like you’re behind because you start your path later.”

“I have been in every single Doctor for a Day session since I became a high school student. I enjoy it every single time and always look forward to the next one. I have made many friends, and decisions about my future healthcare career. I will be devastated if this event ever goes away! I love it, and the people who make it possible! You are doing great things!”