Capital Medical Center Career Day gives students glimpse into health care
Early on a Saturday morning in 2023, the halls of MultiCare Capital Medical Center buzzed with chatter, laughter and excitement. Twenty-three local high school students spent the day learning about careers in health care during Big Brothers Big Sisters Health Care Career Day.
Hosted by Capital Medical Center in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, the career day brought together youth from Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties who expressed an interest in working in health care.
Events like this introduce local youth — many of whom come from single-parent homes or households that qualify for free and reduced lunch programs — to career options in a variety of fields.
Participants listened to local leaders, participated in hands-on demonstrations for radiology, surgical services, infection prevention and more — and tried their hand at the da Vinci surgical robot. More than 28 MultiCare staff members participated in the event by hosting interactive stations, sharing their career stories and leading hospital tours.
“Partnering for healing and a healthy future means more than serving our community’s medical needs. It means connecting with our neighbors like Big Brothers Big Sisters to build a stronger community,” says Will Callicoat, president of Capital Medical Center and market leader for Thurston County. “My hope is that we helped solidify these kids’ interest in health care, and maybe even inspired a few to come back and work at Capital Medical Center.”