As COVID restrictions fall away, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) is reinvigorating its healthcare job shadow program for high school students in grades 10-12.

“Job shadowing is an effective engagement and recruiting strategy with a high return-on-investment for providers,” explains Pat Fontana, FDRHPO Deputy Director. “Many students credit their job shadow experience as a key deciding factor in their decision to enter the healthcare workforce. It is an ideal opportunity for students to make connections and foster relationships with local healthcare professionals. Additionally, it provides experiences for under-represented youth who may not otherwise be exposed to these opportunities.”

FDRHPO’s job shadow program includes a 16- to 24-hour shadowing experience at participating partner sites, such as hospitals, medical offices, dental offices, EMS, and others.

Student applications are currently being accepted on an on-going basis, providing them with the opportunity to participate when their schedules allow. Applications can be found by following this link.

“We are extremely excited to be able to offer this opportunity and to support the healthcare workforce of the future, as well as our regional healthcare providers’ recruitment efforts,” adds Beth Solar, FDRHPO’s Workforce Outreach Manager.

Additionally, new partner sites to host students are welcome and encouraged to participate. A provider stipend will be offered for each job shadow experience.

For questions, or for further information on becoming a partner site, please contact Beth Solar at bsolar@fdrhpo.org or by calling 315-775-2020 ext. 25.