What will the future look like? It’s a question as old as time… Will there be flying cars or AI-powered assistants? Well, sure, some of those unimaginable inventions may come to life, but our real future lies deeper in those at Woodford County High School. Seniors aspiring to pursue a career in healthcare have been given the opportunity to participate in the UK CHIP (Careers in Healthcare Internship Program), an engaging, year-long experience that prepares high school students for future careers in the health professions, while also providing structured rotations across various disciplines for students to explore all aspects of the healthcare industry.
Woodford County seniors Maya Atanga and Katie Butler are participating in the UK CHIP program this school year and have shared their experiences. Starting off the year, they were both asked what inspired them to apply and join the UK CHIP, to which Atanga answered, “ I knew I was committed to my future career in healthcare and felt inspired to get experience in any or all fields of medicine.” Such dedication and commitment to a career in healthcare takes some of the strongest individuals, and we definitely have them. Similarly, Butler responded with, “I have always viewed UK as a learning hospital, and having the opportunity to be one of the learners was something I felt like I couldn’t pass up.” The opportunity to experience firsthand the daunting tasks that careers in healthcare entail and to gain early access to explore such careers is an amazing experience.
Continuing to explore the experiences of both Atanga and Butler, they will describe the different rotations they are in, along with what the UK CHIP has to offer.
Beginning with Atanga, she is currently shadowing in the inpatient psychiatry department at Good Samaritan Hospital, a rotation related to her aspiration to become a clinical psychiatrist. When asked specifically, “What has been your favorite part of the UK CHIP?”, she replied, “My outpatient psych rotation (because that’s the path I’m taking), but also in general, the demeanor of the medical professionals. They’re all so down to earth, understanding, and a little funny.” Being able to connect on a deeper level with outstanding professionals not only helps prepare but also teaches Atanga, as well as any student wanting to pursue a career in healthcare.
Following this, Butler is currently at Good Samaritan Hospital in the OBGYN department. While she continues to explore possible paths in medicine, the UK CHIP has boosted her confidence in this process. Butler’s favorite part of the UK CHIP has been the opportunity “to connect with nurses and doctors and have them help guide me with thoughts and decisions about my future.” Through this program, Butler has strengthened her “desire to pursue the field of Physical Therapy and hopefully attend Bellarmine University.”
Upon exploring these two individuals, they have not only demonstrated diligence in pursuing healthcare careers but also shown enthusiasm for their chosen field. Through the UK CHIP, our state’s future healthcare workforce has been jump-started–preparing motivated learners to pursue postsecondary education and careers that serve the health needs of Kentucky communities. As we watch our world of healthcare workers grow, let’s never forget where they started – here at Woodford County High School, our future.
