Overland Park Regional Medical Center hosts 80 children for healthcare learning experience

Overland Park, KS — Overland Park Regional Medical Center — part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s leading healthcare provider — hosted its annual Take Your Child to Work Day when nearly 80 kids joined a parent working at the hospital. Participants learned firsthand with side-by-side opportunities with healthcare team members learning about new technology, surgical advances, and careers in healthcare.

“We are thrilled with the response of parents and their children to learn about the vast healthcare career opportunities and how our hospital delivers high-quality, compassionate care," said Overland Park Regional Medical Center CEO Matt Sogard. "If a student can see it and experience it themself, they can BE it."

Hospital department leaders created an exciting day throughout the facility to ensure every student understood the diverse roles within a hospital that interact to make a positive difference in a patient's life. Caregivers shared information about their profession in career fields like cardiovascular care, radiology, rehabilitation services, emergency/trauma care, and laboratory and operating room/surgical services. Children received hands-on healthcare education at various creative and educational interactive stations, including tours in the HCA Midwest Health| Healthstar One critical care helicopter and the HCA Midwest Health| AMR neonatal ambulance for critically ill newborns.

Reflecting on his experience, one student shared his thoughts, stating, "I like how realistic and hands on the whole experience was. This made me want to work in a hospital.  Maybe even be a doctor someday so I can help people.” This sentiment echoes the overarching goal of day: to inspire and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals by providing them with valuable exposure and opportunities.