Academic Institution Partnerships
Challenge
WMCHealth is committed to partnering with academic institutions in our region regarding healthcare career development, higher education support and healthcare curriculum development to ensure that we are preparing the students of today for the healthcare jobs of the future. Supporting youth from throughout our region is an investment in the future diverse talent pipeline that will make our organization and our communities stronger.
Actions
This initiative currently consists of four programs:
- Greater New York Hospital Association's Summer Experience Fellowship Program , an annual program that pairs talented diverse graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare administration with hospital senior leadership to be exposed to all facets of healthcare operations;
- Judge Judy's Her Honor Mentorship Program, a Westchester-based professional mentorship program that targets high school seniors from socio-economically depressed communities who are first in their families to be accepted to college;
- Pathways to Practice Program, launched in 2016 toexpose high school students who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare to many facets of the hospital setting, both clinical and non-clinical; and
- WMCHealth STEM Scholarship Program, also launched in 2016, tosupport the pursuit of higher education by high school seniors from socioeconomically challenged communities who are interested in a health-related
Outcomes
In the last several years, each of the above-referenced programs has grown, increasing the number of participants and expanding the scope of exposure. Additionally, WMCHealth has hired two of the Summer Experience Fellows into permanent positions with our organization.
Contact
Mecca E. Santana, Senior Vice President Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (WMCHealth)
Quote
Promoting health equity, reducing health disparities, increasing access and opportunities and fostering an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all are facets of healthcare transformation that WMCHealth has enthusiastically embraced.
When initially approached about taking part in the CEO in Action Pledge, it seemed like a natural extension of the work that WMCHealth has been doing in the diversity and inclusion space over the past few years. I look forward to joining the ranks of my fellow CEOs who have already taken this pledge and continue to make important strides that have improved their organizations, as well as their business outcomes.