What has students in York excited to come to school to learn? It’s a medical simulation program designed to expose them to a wide range of health care careers – the Training and Education for Aspiring Careers in Healthcare Program.

Otherwise known as TEACH.

Engaging with at least 80 students in two York County high schools, WellSpan team members and the TEACH Program provided five hands-on learning experiences in the past school year. Students were paired with a volunteer and had the opportunity to participate in simulations relating to cardiology, respiratory and trauma resuscitation, encouraging active engagement while developing meaningful relationships.

Dr. Lynn McGowan, emergency physician at WellSpan York Hospital and director of the Kinsley Family Foundation Medical Simulation Center in York, started the program because the simulation center team wanted to apply their tools and resources to reconnect with the community.

“Our overall goal is to personalize the health care field,” says Dr. McGowan. “It’s important to show the students that some physicians are new to the field and recently discovered they now have an interest in practicing medicine after having a family. Or they decided to switch careers later in life. We’re providing a network of team members to show the human side of medicine as well as the number of career opportunities available other than nurse or physician.”

What started as a community project made up of five WellSpan team members has now expanded to a group of 60 one year later. The volunteers represent 16 different departments throughout WellSpan York Hospital, including pharmacy and respiratory therapy.

“This program wouldn’t be where it is today without the selflessness, compassion and empathy of these team members,” says Dr. McGowan. “I love how open-minded and excited they are to work with the students. It has not only increased camaraderie but allows us to all learn about resources available in other departments that we weren’t aware of before. It’s been very motivating and fulfilling to work alongside this team – I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.”

The program recently concluded with a career fair at WellSpan York Hospital. The career fair exposed the students to new technologies and simulations that cannot otherwise be brought to the classroom. It also highlighted different career paths for the students to explore, including case management and security services.

Students practiced hands-on simulations at the career fair with WellSpan team members.  

Lt. Bryan Einsig, York City School Police, teaches a public safety program to students at William Penn Senior High School, which includes a TEACH program segment.

“It is hands down the students’ favorite part of their lessons,” says Lt. Einsig. “One student shared that they come to school because of WellSpan and these simulations. It’s been such a fantastic opportunity for them.”

Einsig is excited about the opportunities the program presents to students and loves how it continues to grow, with a new curriculum developed each year.

“I honestly learn something new every time the WellSpan teams stops by,” he says. “I love the partnerships we’ve built with different departments. It’s unique to see everyone work together for one common cause, and that’s to see our students be successful in their future careers. The overwhelming support from the team who want to help our students is phenomenal. It opens doors for them that they wouldn’t see otherwise.”

As Dr. McGowan prepares for another year of the program, she’s enthusiastic to continue working with her team and meet more students, while seeing their excitement as they participate in the simulations.

“My favorite part of working with these students is watching them interact with each other and share in that excitement of learning something new,” she says. “I think that feeling of empowerment is something that can only be achieved when you allow someone to try something themselves. Entering the classroom not knowing they could do something and leaving with a new skill will encourage them to try new things they thought they couldn’t achieve otherwise.”

Find more information on the Kinsley Family Foundation Medical Simulation Center here.