photo by: Courtesy of LMH Health

Pictured, clockwise from bottom left, are LMH Health Summer Leadership Academy participants Allison Allison, Jonah Frye, Gabe Campbell, Jacob Wang, Rian Gonzales, Karen Cruz Santos, Phoebe Cain, Aaminah Ahmed.

Choosing a career path can be challenging. Local high school students who have an interest in health care have a unique opportunity to explore health care through the LMH Health Summer Leadership Academy.

Now in its seventh year, the Academy is a collaborative effort between LMH Health and the City of Lawrence. This eight-week paid mentorship program introduces high school students to careers in health care and city government, offering opportunities to learn through mentorship and training, and making connections with community leaders. At the end of the program, they receive a scholarship toward their post-secondary education, funded by gifts to the LMH Health Foundation.

A launchpad for future leaders

Erica Hill, director of health equity and strategic initiatives at LMH Health and director of finance at the LMH Health Foundation, helped to create and lead the Academy. She said the program offers students an opportunity to explore careers in health care, including administration, medicine and allied health.

“The Leadership Academy promotes learning, personal and professional development in an environment that gives students an opportunity to learn and explore,” Hill said.

Participants benefit from:

• College and career coaching

• Field trips, workshops and trainings

• Executive level mentorship

• Volunteer opportunities

• Scholarships for further education

Who can apply?

Eligible students must be high school sophomores, juniors or seniors. The application process includes submitting a letter of recommendation, academic transcripts, short answers to questions and an in-person interview.

This year’s participants include:

• Aaminah Ahmed, Lawrence High School senior

• Allison Allison, Eudora High School graduate

• Phoebe Cain, Eudora High School senior

• Gabe Campbell, Eudora High School senior

• Karen Cruz Santos, Lawrence High School senior

• Jonah Frye, Free State High School senior

• Rian Gonzales, Free State High School senior

• Jacob Wang, Free State High School senior

Real-world experience

Each student is paired with mentors from LMH Health or the City of Lawrence. This year’s mentors include:

• Sheryle D’Amico, senior vice president of strategic integration

• Sandra Dixon, behavioral health integration director

• Rich McKain, senior director of ancillary and support services

• City Manager Craig Owens

• Dr. Kirk Sloan, chief medical officer

• Nami Stone, physical therapy director

• Assistant City Manager Casey Toomay

• Michael Williams, vice president and chief information officer

While most students worked at LMH Health, Wang and Campbell gained insight into city operations through job shadowing. They visited departments like Parks and Recreation, the fire station, wastewater treatment, and even joined a police ride-along.

“We’ve spent over half of our time outside, visiting different departments,” Wang said. “It’s been eye-opening to see how the city functions.”

Students at LMH Health shadowed professionals in departments such as pharmacy, social work, ultrasound and nuclear imaging. They also attended executive meetings, gaining insight into health care administration.

“It’s shown me how much decision making goes on in healthcare and how many people are involved,” Cruz Santos said. “Before the meeting, Sheryle gives us a rundown of what’s on the agenda and opens up conversations for us to learn.”

Cain added that it’s been eye-opening.

“There’s so much going on behind the scenes. There’s patient care, but there’s also finance, administration, patient and staff experience. Everything is constantly in motion.”

Building awareness

The Academy also helps students understand the impact of community partnerships. They learned about organizations that weren’t on their radar.

“I didn’t know that the clinic at Haskell Indian Health Services even existed,” Cain said. “It was interesting to see how they provide care and how much they offer in that small clinic, and to learn who is able to go there and get services.”

Allison felt empowered by the volunteers at Cottonwood and their community impact.

“We interacted with Cottonwood’s clients, learned about the facilities and services, and how the government plays a big part in what they do,” she said.

Students also visited sites like the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site and participated in enrichment sessions with Verdell Taylor, LMH Health’s inclusion and diversity manager.

“During one session about equity, Verdell gave us a scenario about building a new location. We talked through ways it could work better and would be more accessible to the population,” Cain said. “It was interesting to see the ideas everyone came up with and how different they could be.”

Lasting lessons and advice

The students agreed that participating in the Academy has allowed them to learn skills and make connections that have long-lasting benefits. One of Allison’s biggest takeaways is seeing how interacting with people makes a difference.

“Every time I walk into the hospital, I see people that I know or I’ve spoken to before. They’re saying hi to me, I’m saying hi to them. Those connections are important and will continue to be important throughout my life,” she said.

Ahmed agreed.

“The Academy teaches you how to carry yourself and become a leader,” Ahmed explained. “You have a voice and can advocate for yourself. People will listen to you and take what you say into account.”

If students are on the fence about applying, Ahmed encourages them to take the chance.

“I was nervous to apply and didn’t think I’d get the role, but my teachers were encouraging and knew I’d be a good fit. The Academy has changed and improved my skills, and I’m so grateful that I took my chance,” she said.

— Autumn Bishop is the marketing manager and content strategist at LMH Health, a sponsor of the Lawrence Journal-World health section.