Members from the DCDH Project Team had the privilege of participating in the 2025 Adventures in Health Care program in Dawson Creek on March 11, 2025.

The Adventures in Health Care program is an initiative designed to introduce high school students to a variety of health care careers and pathways. The program, which engages students through hands-on activities, workshops, and interactions with professionals, aims to inspire the next generation of health care workers.

During the program, 36 students in Grades 10 and 11 from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Tumbler Ridge had the opportunity to learn about the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital project. They met with our project team members and heard firsthand about our career journeys in health care. This interaction provided valuable insights into the diverse roles and responsibilities within the health care sector.

One of the highlights of our involvement was an interactive activity where we divided the students into groups and rotated through various stations. Each station featured prompting questions designed to spark discussion and reflection.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the students' responses:

What qualities make a great health care team?

• Communication: Emphasized repeatedly as good communication is crucial for effective teamwork.
• Teamwork: Highlighted as essential for collaboration and achieving common goals.
• Empathy and Compassion: Important for understanding and caring for patients' needs.
• Patience and Resilience: Necessary for handling stressful situations and maintaining perseverance.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Vital for making informed decisions and finding solutions.
• Leadership and Accountability: Key for guiding teams and taking responsibility.
• Continuous Learning and Growth Mindset: Important for staying updated with new knowledge and technologies.
• Positivity and Motivation: Essential for maintaining a positive work environment and encouraging others.
• Technical Skills and Knowledge: Required for performing tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Adaptability and Open-mindedness: Important for adjusting to new situations and embracing diverse perspectives.

What excites you about working in the new hospital once it’s complete?

• New Technology and Equipment: Enthusiasm for using advanced tools and machines.
• Improved Work Environment: Anticipation of a modern, spacious, and well-designed facility.
• Better Patient Care: Expectation of enhanced resources and spaces to provide superior care.
• Opportunities for Research and Learning: Excitement about exploring new topics and discovering innovations.
• Positive Atmosphere: Looking forward to a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Increased Job Opportunities: Hope for more roles and career growth within the new hospital.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Desire for better connections between departments and teamwork.
• Modern Infrastructure: Appreciation for the updated layout and functionality of the new hospital.

What area of health care are you interested in?

• Nursing: Various specializations including pediatric, neonatal, travel, and operating room nursing.
• Medical Specialties: Interests in fields like anesthesiology, dermatology, cardiology, and radiology.
• Mental Health: Focus on roles such as psychologists, mental health clinicians, and social workers.
• Technical Roles: Interest in positions like lab techs, ultrasound techs, and MRI techs.
• Research and Academia: Aspirations to work in research, medical imaging, and as medical professors.
• Primary Care: Roles such as family doctors and nurse practitioners.

What inspired you to pursue a career in health care?

• Personal Experiences: Many were inspired by family members, personal health struggles, or experiences in hospitals.
• Desire to Help Others: A common motivation to make a difference and support those in need.
• Interest in Science and Medicine: Fascination with the human body, diseases, and medical advancements.
• Influence of Media: Inspiration from TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Good Doctor."
• Financial Stability: Recognition of the good pay and job security in the health care field.
• Community Impact: A drive to improve the well-being of their community and contribute positively.

These themes reflect the values, motivations, and aspirations of individuals in the Adventures in Health Care Program. Our team was thrilled to be part of this initiative, helping to guide and inspire the future of health care. We look forward to participating in this event again next year!

Pictured from left to right: Sarah Wilson, Project Director; Jennifer Dunn, Clinical Lead; Bart DeVries, Project Manager; Shirley Nichol, Operational Readiness Lead; Ramona Daly, Project Coordinator; Ashley Pannozzo, Community Engagement & Communications Liaison; Bhavesh Joshi, Project Manager; Byron Stewart, Northeast Recruitment & Retention Ambassador.