Palomar Health inspires youth with hands-on medical program
The Palomar Health Foundation recently completed its third annual Middle School Medical Discoveries (Middle School MD) program, engaging local youth in immersive learning sessions aimed at inspiring future healthcare careers. By directly connecting students with healthcare professionals, Middle School MD aims to nurture an early interest in medicine and highlight the crucial role healthcare professionals play in community well-being. This year, the program reached 1,800 middle school students, marking a new milestone in its mission to spark early enthusiasm for medical careers.
Throughout September, eighth-grade students from the Escondido Union School District attended on-site sessions at the Palomar Health Escondido campus, where they received firsthand instruction from doctors, nurses, and medical specialists. Students engaged in practical workshops on essential health topics, such as CPR, splinting techniques, and the use of defibrillators. Having recently experienced a global pandemic, students were also given in-depth insights into infectious disease prevention and care, enriching their understanding of how healthcare professionals manage and mitigate health crises.
Kristin Gaspar, president and CEO of the Palomar Health Foundation, underscored the program’s mission of equipping students with hands-on experiences that could help guide future career choices.
“We are thrilled to continue offering the Middle School Medical Discoveries program, which provides students with engaging, hands-on experiences in the medical field,” Gaspar explained.
“By connecting students with dedicated healthcare professionals, we empower the next generation to explore possibilities within the medical field and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
Since its inception, Middle School MD has now graduated over 4,500 students, a testament to its success and growing influence in the community.
This sustained engagement is particularly critical, as research from the National Science Foundation shows that while 70% of fifth graders show interest in science, this figure sharply declines to 30% by eighth grade. Programs like Middle School MD are instrumental in reversing this trend, engaging students in STEM fields during a key developmental stage when interests often wane. The initiative is supported by Palomar Health staff and volunteers—including registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, respiratory care practitioners, and medical social workers who offer their time and expertise to guide and motivate students.
Middle School MD also aligns with Palomar Health’s broader mission to promote healing, comfort, and health within the community. Established in 1948, Palomar Health has since grown to serve over half a million residents across North San Diego County, providing medical services that span nearly every field, including trauma care, cancer treatment, cardiovascular care, and behavioral health. As one of America’s top healthcare providers, Palomar Health’s reputation for excellence in surgery, stroke care, and diabetes management speaks to its commitment to both immediate patient needs and the long-term health of the community.
Palomar Health’s programs are not just about medical care—they represent a proactive effort to reimagine healthcare’s role in society. Initiatives like Middle School MD are a vital component of this vision, inspiring youth to consider healthcare as a rewarding career path and strengthening the local healthcare talent pipeline. As Palomar Health continues to drive innovation in healthcare delivery, programs like these will play a crucial role in shaping future healthcare leaders and ensuring that community care remains at the forefront.
