Saint Mary’s Summer Shadowing Program Inspires Middle School Students
July 16, 2025Categories: Events
Week two of the Saint Mary’s Hospital Summer Shadowing Program is in the books. For the second week, eight middle school students from Brass City Charter School had the opportunity to learn from medical professionals throughout the hospital. “Welcoming middle school-aged students into our hospital environment has been especially meaningful, as it offers them a unique, hands-on glimpse into the world of healthcare at a formative stage in their lives,” said Shawna Edwards, DNP, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Mary’s Hospital.
Students learn from Karen Beebe, DNP, about infant care.
Students get a close look at what goes on in the Catheterization Lab.
Similarly to the high school students experience, middle schoolers received certified STOP THE BLEED® training, learned the “ABCs of Resuscitation”, and how to spot symptoms of stroke. For three days, students got hands-on experience across 11 departments including pharmacy, the Emergency Department, the Women and Infants Center, radiology, the Catheterization Lab, and had the chance to explore the inside of an ambulance.
“I am grateful for everyone at Saint Mary’s Hospital for showing us different departments in the hospital,” said Jaden Grubb from Brass City Charter School, who attended the Summer Shadowing program for the second time and was selected as this year’s commencement speaker. “I went into this wanting to be a doctor, and I still do, but the program helped me see that I have an interest in pharmacy too.”
The Summer Shadowing Program was developed in partnership with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB). By combining job shadowing with internship opportunities, the program aims to build a pipeline of future health care professionals who reflect and serve their communities.