Posted on November 18, 2023
GRPS Students “Gear Up” for Careers in Health Care with Mary Free Bed
High school students from Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) took a break from the classroom to learn about careers in physical rehabilitation health care.
The Mary Free Bed Grand Rapids Campus welcomed GRPS students as the first participants of its Pathways to Mary program – a new initiative that invites local students into the hospital to engage directly with health care professionals and clinicians.
Over 80 students from Innovation Central, University Prep, Ottawa Hills and Union High visited Mary Free Bed to get up close and personal with doctors, nurses, physical therapists and more.
Students had the opportunity to actively participate by asking questions, experiencing equipment and exploring rehabilitation technology. They gained insights into the wide array of career opportunities within rehabilitative care, many of which they may have been unaware of.
“To immerse yourself at an institution and meet the people doing the job makes a difference,” said Dr. Hanif, Mary Free Bed resident physician who is leading the initiative at the hospital. “Seeing people who look like you, working job they’re passionate about, makes an impact.”
Presentations and exhibitions focused on different career paths available in physical rehabilitation and medicine and what it’s like to work at Mary Free Bed. It was a unique opportunity for students to connect in person with PM&R physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians and speech-language pathologists
The day was successful also thanks to support from Grand Valley State University’s Gear Up Program. Gear Up works with Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners to offer students the academic skills, information and encouragement they need – not only to graduate from high school, but also to apply and attend an institution of higher education.
“They have to touch it, feel it and meet the people on a grassroots level, so they can really appreciate what’s happening and to know that they can do this as well,” said Bobby J. Springer, director of the Michigan Gear Up program at GVSU.
During the visit, students learned about the day-to-day work of rehabilitation professionals and what motivated them to pursue health care careers. Several students remarked how eye-opening the experience was.
“I think it helps us see all the options and all the opportunities available to us. It really gives us a chance to go out into the world and experience it hands on,” said Abby Gallegos, a junior at Innovation Central. “Right now, I’m really interested in nursing and helping people be the best version of themselves.”
This program is a significant step in the hospital’s ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts, designed to enlighten and inspire the next generation of health care professionals. As the program grows, Pathways to Mary will continue to welcome more local students to tour the hospital and meet with rehabilitation professionals.
As they look ahead to bright futures and careers, students also learned about opportunities to get involved today. Volunteering at Mary Free Bed offers unique opportunities to gain valuable exposure to our mission, learn from professionals in the field and give back to the hospital.
