The Indigenous Career Experience Initiative at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Published Wednesday, December 11, 2024
60 students from school boards across Thunder Bay were on-site at TBRHSC to explore many different health care career and volunteer options.
By Gina Fata
On November 20, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) hosted the annual Indigenous Career Experience (ICE). In its fourth year, ICE aims to engage Indigenous youth by offering valuable insights into various career paths in health care and fostering a connection with TBRHSC. By offering students the opportunity to be involved in hands-on learning, the program allows students to get excited about a future career in health care. It also facilitates the recruitment of Indigenous staff within the health care sector.
ICE introduces Indigenous youth to hospital operations and encourages them to consider volunteering opportunities. Volunteering not only allows students to satisfy their mandatory community service hours but also equips them with essential career experience and encourages networking.
60 students from school boards across Thunder Bay were on-site at TBRHSC to explore many different health care career and volunteer options. Students experienced a day filled with tours, presentations, and hands-on activities designed to provide them with an authentic feel of various health care roles. Students were able to interact with managers and staff, ask questions, and learn about the educational pathways required for various positions. Throughout the day participants had the opportunity to visit departments including Miskwaa Biidaaban (Indigenous Health Hub), Laboratory Services, and Medical Device Reprocessing, as well as participate in a clinical simulation and try different tools used in the Operating Room.
Thank you to the ICE Committee, Elder Aaron, participating departments, and our Senior Leadership Council for your time, your knowledge, and your enthusiasm.
As part of the program, students experienced a day filled with tours, presentations, and hands-on activities designed to provide them with an authentic feel of various health care roles.
Students have the opportunity to interact with managers and staff, ask questions, and learn about the educational pathways required for various positions.