Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) and Animas Public Schools have partnered to provide a work-study program for current Juniors and Seniors at Animas High School. The program is designed to expose students to career opportunities that they may be interested in. Five students have shown an interest in healthcare.

HMS is proud to have brought these students on as paid interns to expose them to the healthcare field via a three-month rotation.  The students rotate through the front desk and the finance department, shadow Medical Assistants and Dental Assistants, and assist Community Health Workers in the Family Support Department. The students have completed organizational orientation which includes education about Federally Qualified Health Centers (the designation that HMS currently holds), patient privacy, hand hygiene, bloodborne pathogens, and infection control, among other things.  As they rotate through the various departments, they will get hands-on training and the opportunity to see healthcare in action.

“When I was contacted by Mr. Jeff Gephart from Animas Public Schools to participate in this program, we jumped on the opportunity,” states Dr. Dan Otero, HMS’ Chief Executive Officer. “Education is one of HMS’ values, and this opportunity aligned well in that we are not only supporting our local youth in developing and pursuing career opportunities but investing in our community’s future and the future of healthcare.”

When the interns were asked what the best part of the experience of rotating with HMS so far was, Haley Elias stated “Being part of the team, seeing the different stations, and getting experience in the clinic.”  Kimberly Rudiger says, “The experience I am getting now will really help her in the future and I am really enjoying it.”  Journey Sheehan states “Getting experience in all sides of a medical clinic and I am having a really good time.”  Mikayla Jarvis says, “Learning all the different aspects of the medical field and getting to know all the people that work here.”  Angel Pintor states “There have been lots of learning experiences and the opportunity to get some core skills.”

Once the students have finished their work-study program, they can use this experience to add to their resume and include it in college applications. The opportunity not only brings value to the community but gives our local students a head start as they pursue further education and career opportunities.

Pictured Left to Right: Amanda Frost, MPH, COO, Haley Elias, 11^th grade at AHS, Kimberly Rudiger, 11^th grade at AHS, Journey Sheehan, 12^th grade at AHS, MaKayla Jarvis 11^th grade at AHS, Angel Pintor, 12^th grade at AHS, Dan Otero, DBA, CEO