Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center - Richmond, VA

Seventy-six students ranging ages 11 to 18 years old gathered at McGuire VA Medical Center’s Multipurpose room for “Bring Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day.” Young adults attending the one day event had the opportunity to learn and observed their parents at work.

Tours of the medical center after morning orientation was followed up by a lunch and learn session. Students loved the laboratory where they could see firsthand examples of human organs and observe the differences between a healthy organ and one that has been overtaken by a disease.

They were also able to get information about the  internship and residents scholarship program. Other topics that were discussed with the student were college, military, and other college alternative career paths.

It was hands on learning within various specialty areas which included Respiratory, Pharmacy, Police, Nursing, Dental Practice, Toastmaster, Research, and Telehealth. “When I was their age, there weren’t programs like this providing a look at a medical center in full operation. We wanted to give back to these students and inform them of all the available opportunities that are out there says Vanessa Falden, event coordinator.”

Bring Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day was a great opportunity to give students a chance to start thinking about their future and career fields associated with the medical profession.