MCI and Sebasticook Valley Hospital partner for real-world healthcare experiences

Date: 05/19/2023

Maine Central Institute (MCI) and Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital are collaborating to help students get an up-close look at healthcare as a future career.

After a conversation between leadership at both organizations in 2017, the “Introduction to Medical Concepts” class was born. The leaders were determined to open students’ eyes about the amazing opportunities in healthcare right in Pittsfield. The class has been popular, with more than 50 students signing up since its inception. Many return to the Pittsfield hospital to complete their higher education clinical program and some are now employees. 

“It takes many people in many different roles to meet the needs of patients,” says Randy Clark, president of Sebasticook Valley Hospital. “It’s our privilege to host MCI students so they can get a first-hand experience of healthcare. It’s a great opportunity for them to see all the ways we take care of our community and how they may play a part in this profession. We’re proud to have the students experience our caring culture and meet lots of compassionate, skilled people.”

Laurie Alexander, Health and Wellness Education coordinator with the hospital, developed the healthcare curriculum component for the 14-week class in collaboration with MCI’s Health instructor. Over the course of the three months, students spend one day each week at the hospital, shadowing four different hospital roles and attending skill sessions that show them various job functions. Students even participate in a mock disaster to learn about healthcare’s role. Laurie notes, “Seeing the students’ interest as they shadow staff is incredible. They are so excited to be here and it’s a real eye opener for most of them.”

Annaleese Singh is a junior at MCI. She says she’s really enjoying the experience. “After job shadowing with a pharmacist, a lab tech, and a dietitian, I have decided that I want to pursue a healthcare career in a technical skill area, such as the laboratory.”

It’s these positive experiences that will help hospitals, like Sebasticook Valley, meet its care mission for years to come, and help students make informed decisions about a career path. 

“The Intro to Medical Concepts class has real-world relevance. It’s outcome based and the students get to demonstrate what they know in an active collaborative environment,” shared David Person, MCI headmaster. “It’s also a meaningful discovery program, with students attempting to discern whether or not a medical career path is for them. Education is too important to be left to teachers alone, and MCI is proud to partner with Sebasticook Valley Hospital to offer this important opportunity. A number of our students will undoubtedly move toward medical careers as a consequence of this early exposure to the field.”

The Intro to Medical Concepts class wrapped up on May 15.

Photo in story above (left to right): Annaleese Singh, junior at MCI spends time with Sarah Raulston, PharmD, Pharmacist

Photo below: The three MCI students who spent time at SVH (left to right): Annaleese Singh, MCI junior; Morgan Jensen, MCI senior; Braident Boutilier, MCI junior.