Thanks to a partnership with the Southern and Northern Vermont Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), Vermont State University, and the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV), 11 Larner medical students were recruited as AHEC Scholars to serve as medical student mentors and role models for Vermont youth at the GIV Summer Health & Medicine Institute. GIV strives to create life-changing learning adventures for Vermont high school students, in partnership with the Vermont AHEC network, whose mission is to grow the Vermont health care workforce. With centers based in St. Johnsbury and Springfield and the program office at the Larner College of Medicine, AHEC works with middle school students all the way through practicing professionals to recruit, train, and retain health professionals to work in medically underserved areas. This effort is timely, since Vermont is projected to need another 9,000 nurses over the next five to seven years to fill projected workforce shortages, according to regional Vermont AHEC leaders.
In July, the Larner mentors led high school students in health care–related activities and learning sessions at the Lyndon and Castleton campuses of Vermont State University (VSU).
“Mentorship has always been incredibly important to me,” said AHEC Scholar Jesus Mendoza ’28. “Coming from a first-generation immigrant household, I’ve had to rely heavily on mentors on my path to medicine. I am deeply grateful for their guidance and support, and when the AHEC opportunity arose, applying was a clear and easy decision.”
The GIV South VSU–Castleton campus mentors included Larner College of Medicine Class of 2028 medical students Ayda Oktem, Alexander Nissenbaum, Julia Solowey, Michael Sabbaj, Jesus Mendoza, and Jordan Hacker. At the GIV North VSU–Lyndon campus, Larner Class of 2028 medical student mentors were Molly Burke, Finn Davis-Batt, Kyle Bergeron, and Aldi Chan, along with Selena Henry ’29, M.M.S.’25. Over a week-long summer session, the AHEC Scholars led an adventurous approach to medicine that empowered high schoolers to lead their own lab work, participate in crisis simulations, and sample a huge array of health care occupations.
“Witnessing the energy and enthusiasm of young, aspiring high school students throughout the week was both heartwarming and a powerful reminder of the passion and curiosity that drive us into medicine,” said Chan.
Qualifying high school students—those who have completed their freshman, sophomore, or junior years in Vermont high schools, or schools in New Hampshire and New York that have reciprocal education arrangements with Vermont school districts—selected a location based on their specific interests. Health & Medicine North offered the opportunity to delve into pre-hospital clinical skills, as well as an option to earn a Vermont Emergency First Responder (VEFR) certificate. Health & Medicine South offered a deep dive into primary care and prevention, and an option to earn Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) certification. At both locations, students also earned credentials in CPR, Stop the Bleed, and First Aid.
“As a Vermonter, I’m deeply aware of the state’s need for health care professionals across all fields,” said Nissenbaum. “Being able to share and demonstrate various health care career opportunities in a hands-on, interactive way is crucial to fostering interest and enthusiasm among local students.”
At the GIV Health & Medicine South session, these photos highlight three hands-on learning sessions led by Larner AHEC Scholars.
The Larner mentors shared observations as the institute week went on. Oktem commented, “It was very rewarding see the students come out of their shells as the week progressed. They became more comfortable with us and with each other.” Other mentors shared the sentiment. “It was truly inspiring to witness how curious, driven, and ambitious these students were,” said Mendoza. “I hope I was able to make a positive impact on their lives and that they enjoyed our George Strait karaoke performances as much as I did. I’m excited to see where their paths lead and look forward to calling them future colleagues.”