The Torch

Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome 39 local high school students to the 2026-2027 Medical Explorers Program, continuing its mission of inspiring and educating future healthcare professionals. Now entering its seventh year, the program provides students with firsthand exposure to a wide variety of healthcare careers through hands-on experiences, educational presentations, facility tours, and job shadowing opportunities.

Throughout the camp, participants received an up-close and personal look at the many opportunities within the medical field, hearing from 13 different healthcare professions and engaging in interactive demonstrations across multiple departments.

Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Kaila Jerkatis, a senior at Gibault High School, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers Scholarship.

The program provides hands on learning, department tours, and direct interaction with healthcare professionals who are passionate about mentoring the next generation. This year’s cohort includes 34 students from six area high schools, representing grades 9–12.

Since its launch in September 2019, Memorial Hospital’s Medical Explorers Program has been guiding students toward meaningful careers in healthcare, particularly within rural communities. The program was introduced at Memorial to help high school and college students discover the wide range of professional opportunities available in the healthcare field.

Memorial Hospital hosted its third annual Junior Explorers Camp from June 25–27, welcoming twelve enthusiastic students entering grades 6–8 for a hands-on introduction to the world of healthcare.

Memorial Hospital welcomes 29 students into this year's Medical Explorers Program.

A group of 11 young adults ventured into the world of healthcare at the hospital's camp, designed exclusively for students entering 6th-8th

Memorial Hospital is proud to announce Mabry Wingerter at this year's recipient of the Medical Explorers Scholarship from the Auxiliary.

Memorial Hospital welcomes 42 students into this year’s Medical Explorers program for 2023-2024.

Memorial Hospital of Chester’s Medical Explorers Program and First Responder Resource Kits recognized at ISHMPR Pinnacle Awards.

Memorial Hospital in Chester, hosted a Junior Explorers Camp June 19-21.

Jada Long has been named this 2022-2023 Memorial Hospital Medical Explorer Scholarship recipient awarded by the MH Auxiliary.

Memorial Hospital welcomes 15 students into this year’s Medical Explorers program.

Macey Ludwig, of Chester, is named the 2022 recipient of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Medical Explorers Scholarship.

Medical Explorer, Jada Long, is heading to Rural Health Careers Camp at UIC this summer.

Meet our 2021-2022 Medical Explorers and the opportunities they have finding healthcare careers that meet their abilities and interests.

In April 2021, students were given permission to meet in person once again and to commence job shadowing.

Welcome to our 2020-2021 Medical Explorers. Learn more about our virtual start of this years' program.

Ashtyn Jany, daughter of Jeremy and Kelly Jany of Chester, IL is the winner of this year’s Memorial Hospital Pathfinder Scholarship.