Turning Curiosity into Careers: Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders

Our idea is to bring hands-on learning in medical research and healthcare directly into classrooms, transforming curiosity about science into pathways toward fulfilling careers. Many students are fascinated by how the human body works, but they rarely see these fields in action. We aim to change that by creating interactive, experiential opportunities that bridge classroom learning with real-world practice.

Through our initiative, Turning Curiosity into Careers, students will meet both a scientist engaged in healthcare research and a healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist, kinesiologist, athletic therapist, sport medicine physician, or orthopaedic surgeon. This unique pairing offers students role models who can share their experiences, demonstrate career options, and highlight the impact of their work.

Beyond simply listening, students will also have the opportunity to step into the role of a healthcare professional themselves. Using advanced simulation models and medical technologies, participants will engage in hands-on activities such as orthopedic surgery techniques or rehabilitation assessments. These immersive activities spark excitement, build confidence, and help students imagine themselves pursuing advanced education and careers in healthcare or biomedical research.

By inspiring local students at a formative age, when career aspirations are beginning to take shape, the program helps create a pipeline of motivated, well-informed students who see science and healthcare as achievable and rewarding career paths. Importantly, students with strong ties to their home region are more likely to return after post-secondary training. This initiative therefore not only shapes individual futures but also addresses long-term gaps in healthcare services, creating a sustainable, locally connected workforce.

Turning Curiosity into Careers, will cultivate inspiration, provide mentorship, and open doors to careers in science and healthcare. By connecting the classroom with real-world practice, this initiative empowers students to turn curiosity into careers, and careers into meaningful contributions to community well-being.

Turning Curiosity into Careers will benefit multiple groups within our community:

• Students, including under-represented groups:

The primary beneficiaries will be students who gain rare opportunities to engage with healthcare professionals and researchers in their own classrooms. Through hands-on activities and direct interaction, they experience how biomedical research, technology, and innovation are used to improve patient care. These experiences foster academic motivation and encourage students to pursue advanced training in healthcare and biomedical fields. The program will also prioritize engaging underrepresented groups, including Indigenous youth and young women, helping to address longstanding inequities in access to careers in science and healthcare.

• Schools:

Schools benefit through a program that compliments existing curricula by enriching science and health education with real-world applications. By offering interactive and experiential learning, the initiative supports teachers in making science and health topics more engaging, relevant, and inspiring for their students.

• The Bow Valley Communities:

By breaking down barriers to participation in science and healthcare, this initiative ensures that local youth can envision meaningful careers in these fields. Over time, this contributes to the development of a diverse, skilled workforce with strong community ties. Students who grow up in the region and are inspired to pursue healthcare-related careers are more likely to return after their education and training, helping to sustain and improve local healthcare services.

• Healthcare professionals and researchers:

Contributors to the program include local healthcare providers and scientists who serve as mentors and role models. This engagement not only strengthens connections between professionals and youth but also fosters meaningful relationships within the community. When healthcare providers are perceived as approachable and invested in the next generation, it fosters trust and enhances overall satisfaction with care throughout the community.

In summary, Turning Curiosity into Careers creates a ripple effect of benefits, inspiring and motivating students, enriching school programming, strengthening the Bow Valley’s future healthcare workforce, and deepening connections between professionals and the communities they serve.