Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint facility, collaborated with Catawba County Schools to launch its inaugural Med Camp, a dynamic and immersive program designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in health care.

Held from June 2 to June 26, Frye Regional Med Camp welcomed 11 rising junior and senior high school students for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the diverse world of medicine. Participants were selected through an application process and met specific criteria established by Catawba County Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Over the course of the camp, students engaged in interactive workshops, clinical simulations and guided tours of key hospital departments including Emergency Services, Surgery, Radiology and more. By working directly alongside health care professionals, students were able to explore career paths ranging from entry-level positions to those requiring advanced medical degrees.

“Frye Regional is deeply committed to investing in the future of health care,” said Philip Greene, MD, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “Med Camp is one of the many ways we support our local youth, helping them explore their interests and understand the many diverse career paths available in the medical field. We are grateful for the invaluable partnership with Catawba County Schools.”

Camp participants had the opportunity to interact directly with physicians, nurses, technicians and hospital administrators, gaining valuable insights into the education, training and dedication required for various health care roles.

Highlights from this year’s Med Camp included:

• Hands-on CPR and first aid training
• A mock surgery simulation
• Diagnostic demonstrations using advanced imaging technology
• Interactive Q&A sessions with medical professionals

Frye Regional’s Med Camp aligns with its mission to promote wellness, education and community engagement, while supporting Catawba County Schools’ commitment for students to explore pathways that lead to meaningful careers after graduation.

“The CTE program is incredibly grateful for its partnership with Frye Regional Medical Center,” said Jeff Isenhour, Ph.D., Director of Career Technical Education, Catawba County Schools. “This collaboration is essential for our commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving health care sector. Work-based learning, such as this internship, not only allows students to gain practical knowledge but also equips them with the employability skills necessary to excel in any professional setting.

Through this invaluable experience, students gained insights into the diverse opportunities within health care and developed critical skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. These foundational skills are not only essential for a successful health care career but are transferable to any field.

“As we look to the future, the importance of building a skilled workforce in health care has never been greater,” concluded Isenhour. “By providing these internships, we are helping to nurture the next generation of health care professionals, ensuring that our community has access to a robust, skilled workforce for years to come.”