By Meghan Festa
Fairbanks- Are you interested in a career in health care?  If so, we have the perfect event for you.  The Heroes in Health Care Career Expo is an opportunity for students to explore a variety of health care career fields, participate in hands-on activities, and meet Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (FMH) staff. All age groups are welcome to join, including children, high school or college students, and anyone interested in a career in health care, or that wants to learn more about what goes on at FMH. 

“There is an interest in health care careers starting at a young age,” said Program Director of the Interior Area Health Education Center, Rebecca Bruntz. “Kids talk about being a doctor or a nurse. We want to give them more of an opportunity to get an inside look.”

The expo takes place Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 4-6 p.m. as a part of National Health Professions Week. Foundation Health Partners (FHP) Human Resources and Interior Area Health Education Center (AHEC) will host the event designed to give community members a chance to interact with health care professionals from a variety of featured specialties.

FHP hosts the Interior AHEC. The purpose of the AHEC program is to meet the needs of the communities they serve through robust community-academic partnerships, focusing on exposure, education, and training of the current and future health care workforce. The Interior AHEC provides education through AHEC Scholars, CPR training, Behavioral Health Camps, and events like this year’s expo.

Featured Departments will showcase their specialties with unique, department-created “Health Care Superheroes” and there will be hands-on activities at all stations. Last year’s expo featured pig lungs, suturing and EKGs. FHP Talent Acquisition/Student Services will be available to give advice on how students can start preparing for future health care careers now.

“Departments love to participate in this event,” said Karen Lapp, FHP talent development coordinator. “They go the extra mile to provide activities that are fun and teach at the same time.”

The event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. There will also be door prizes and some fun items for everyone to take home.