Career fair gives children a look at medical careers

For fourth through sixth graders, Yokomi Elementary School and Community Medical Centers partnered on a career fair to spark an early interest in medical careers and professions that relate to science and technology.

Yokomi, located near the intersection of McKenzie Avenue and Thesta Street in downtown Fresno, was built as a science and technology magnet school within walking distance of the expanding Community Regional Medical Center.

More than 15 employees from eight departments at Community Regional visited the school May 29 to show students what it’s like to work in pharmacy, physical therapy, the CyberKnife center, laboratories, clinical engineering, radiology, nursing, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, neurosciences and information systems.Those employees were joined by representatives from Skylife Helicopter and American Ambulance.

An intrigued group of Yokomi Elementary students look on as Community's Jarrod Silvius shows how a computer is built.

Yokomi opens enrollment to children of Community employees and has received attention from U.S. Department of Education officials for its innovative use of technology, high test scores and integration of students from various backgrounds and cultures.

This story was reported by Mary Lisa Russell. She can be reached at mrussell@communitymedical.org.

Thursday, June 05, 2008