CL-04: INTERACTIVE HIGH SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAM: INSPIRING UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH TO PURSUE CAREERS IN SURGERY
Christie Buonpane, MD¹, Sarah Hayek, MD¹, Dane Sannes, BS², Katelyn Young, BS¹, Samantha Lane, MHS¹, Halle Ellison, MD¹, Tania Arora, MD¹, Catherine J Hunter, MD³, Mohsen Shabahang, MD, PhD¹, Mayur Narayan, MD, MPH, MBA⁴, Tracey Dechert, MD⁵; ¹Geisinger Medical Center, ²Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, ³Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, ⁴Weill Cornell Medicine, ⁵Boston University Medical Center

Background: More than 30% of the US population is comprised of underrepresented minorities; however, only a small fraction of this group comprises the nation’s healthcare workforce. Since those with financial constraints or limited exposure may perceive limited career choices, interventions that challenge that perception may influence underrepresented youth to pursue health careers. We hypothesize that interactive health-related school activities will facilitate student interest in various health professions.

Methods: In April 2019, prior to the commencement of Surgical Education Week, surgeons, residents, medical students and staff volunteers will provide an interactive program for 130 junior high school students at Crane Medical Preparatory School in Chicago, Illinois. The program will consist of several activities including: a spinal cord injury module, hands-on surgical technique skills stations, professional development skills and more

Results: Our hope is to encourage students to pursue careers in healthcare and create a sustained model for the future.

Conclusions: In order to strive for a culturally diverse healthcare workforce and increase the number of health professionals in underserved areas, we must expose underprivileged youth to health-related activities.