Area students will have the chance to explore careers in healthcare through a summer program at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. The Career Days camp, supported by the Otis Thompson Foundation, is an annual two-day event for students entering grades 8 through 12. It offers hands-on career exploration across various hospital departments.
“The students get to see and experience so many different aspects of healthcare, including watching an ultrasound, participating in a mock arthroscopic surgery, learning safe patient handling techniques, and so much more,” said Becky Yacano, the program’s longtime coordinator.
“This exposure can help them decide not only if healthcare is the right path for them, but also what specific area resonates most.”
Yacano, who serves as the hospital’s respiratory therapy supervisor, has made coordinating the camp a personal passion project. Her interest in healthcare began in high school when her mother was diagnosed with a respiratory illness. She marked 35 years at UHS Chenango Memorial in May.
According to Yacano, both clinical and non-clinical staff contribute to creating impactful experiences for participants.
“It’s our chance to show off what we do and why we do it, and to truly inspire what could be our next generation of healthcare workers,” she stated.
This year’s camp is scheduled for Thursday, August 14 and Friday, August 15. The program is free but space is limited. Interested students must apply with a short essay by Friday, July 18.
For further details or application requests, contact Brian Day at brian.day@nyuhs.org or (607) 337-4151.
