Memorial Hospital’s Medical Explorers Program: Guiding Students Toward Meaningful Careers in Healthcare
- Memorial Hospital
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
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. Through monthly presentations and hands-on experiences led by professionals from the Hospital and partnering organizations, students gain valuable exposure to real-world medical careers.
The program began with 23 students in its first year, but like many initiatives, it faced an unexpected challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic forced an early end to the inaugural session in March 2020. Rather than pause indefinitely, Memorial Hospital adapted by launching a virtual version of the program for the 2020–2021 year. Twenty-five students enrolled and remained highly engaged through online sessions, where they heard from professionals across various healthcare disciplines. By the fall, in-person meetings resumed with safety protocols in place. The students’ continued enthusiasm during this time reflected their resilience and deep interest in caring for others.
Memorial Hospital is now entering its sixth year, as a registered Exploring Post with the Boy Scouts of America. The Medical Explorers Program has welcomed more than 140 participants from across the region since its start. Students from Chester, Trico, Steeleville, Sparta, Gibault, and Red Bud High Schools, as well as Southwestern Illinois College and homeschool programs, have taken part. The program is open to high school students age 14 years and older, as well as college students up to age 20, who reside in Randolph County, Illinois, and neighboring counties including Perry County and Ste. Genevieve Counties in Missouri. Participation is completely free, with all registration fees covered by Chester Cohen Funds, Memorial Hospital, and required apparel provided by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Each year, the program’s schedule is thoughtfully curated to expose students to a wide range of healthcare careers. Presenters include professionals from departments such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and both family medicine and specialty providers. Guest speakers from outside organizations such as MedStar Ambulance, Chester Family Dental, Rheinecker Chiropractic, ComWell, AirEvac, and local fire and police departments further enrich the experience. According to Program Director Mariah Bargman, the goal is to introduce new careers each year to ensure returning students continue to learn and explore. “You never know what will be the spark that sets a student on their future path,” she says. “Those who join the program multiple years, walk away with a broader and deeper understanding of the many health care career opportunities available.”
Students participate in a variety of hands-on activities that allow them to use diagnostic equipment, start IVs, draw blood, practice suturing, and take vital signs. These experiences often complement what students may be learning in school or in advanced programs such as those at the Career Center of Southern Illinois, helping them build confidence and practical skills. “This program is truly about building understanding and confidence,” says Bargman. “It is amazing to watch the students grow in their understanding and comprehension of how everything fits together. When we interview potential employees, we can see a difference in those who have been immersed in a program like Medical Explorers or job shadowed as a student versus those who have not.”
The program’s impact extends beyond education. Since 2019, Memorial Hospital has hired 12 former Explorers into roles in nursing, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, admitting, and medical records, an 8% hire rate that is expected to grow as more alumni complete their degrees. Former Explorers are currently pursuing careers in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, health administration, pharmaceuticals, surgery, social work, physician assistant programs, art therapy, military service specialties, and other health-related or non-healthcare fields. While not every student chooses a healthcare career, the program helps them make informed decisions about their future, saving time and money in the long run. The program also helps Memorial Hospital address staffing shortages by cultivating a pipeline of local talent committed to serving their communities.
“Our rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals,” says Brett Bollmann, CEO of Memorial Hospital. “The Medical Explorers Program is one of the most effective tools we have to grow our own workforce. By engaging students early and showing them the value of serving their hometowns, we’re not only filling critical roles we’re strengthening the future of rural healthcare.”
In addition to educational presentations, students can shadow professionals in departments of their choice, gaining real-world insight into their areas of interest. High school seniors and college students are eligible for an annual scholarship from the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and they are introduced to additional scholarships, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and educational experiences through Memorial and other institutions such as South Central Illinois Area Health Education Centers (AHEC).
In 2023, Memorial Hospital expanded its outreach by launching the Junior Explorers Camp, a three-day summer program for students entering grades six through eight. The camp offers department tours, first aid training, hands-on activities, and engaging presentations designed to introduce younger students to the many careers available in healthcare. The fast-paced format keeps students engaged and gives them a glimpse into the wide range of roles beyond doctors and nurses that exist within the hospital and the broader rural healthcare system.
Through both the Medical Explorers Program and the Junior Explorers Camp, Memorial Hospital is investing in the future of healthcare by inspiring the next generation of professionals and strengthening the connection between education and community service.