While rehabbing her surgically repaired ACL and wrist at the hospital, champion pickleball player Kathy Kent suffered another setback after taking a simulated fall at the facility, setting off an entirely new medical emergency. Suddenly, her assessment, treatment, therapy and recovery were in the hands of a team of healthcare professionals – all on their first day on the job.
Sound like the storyline of a network television medical drama? Not quite. It was the scenario at Flash Medical Center, an annual one-day event hosted by Kent State Ashtabula Nov. 6, that transforms Robert S. Morrison Hall into an immersive healthcare simulation site, giving area high school students the opportunity to step into the roles of healthcare professionals.
Working in clinical teams, students took on essential duties across multiple healthcare disciplines, experiencing firsthand how professionals collaborate to provide quality patient care.
This year's event welcomed 21 students from six area high schools, offering a closer look at careers in medical assisting, nursing, radiologic technology, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and social work.
“Flash Medical Center is a really great way to learn about all the different roles in healthcare,” said Libby VanDevender, a senior at Jefferson Area High School. “It was interesting being able to get a glimpse of not only nursing, but the other healthcare roles, too, and how they all play their part and work together.”
From joining the rapid response team to reviewing X-rays and assisting with intubation, students were called into action throughout the simulation.
The morning began with a welcome and orientation before students helped assess Kathy's injuries and prepare her for transportation. The simulation continued with X-rays, hospital room procedures involving nursing and medical assisting, and a social work discussion with the patient's family. Students also rotated through smaller skill-lab groups to explore equipment and techniques used in each healthcare discipline.
After lunch, students joined the healthcare team in the simulation lab to perform CPR before wrapping up the day with a staged home visit in the apartment-style occupational therapy lab.
Beyond the hands-on experience, students who participate in Flash Medical Center are eligible to apply for an exclusive scholarship to attend Kent State Ashtabula.
“It's exciting to see students get a closer look at the many possibilities available to them in healthcare,” said Lori Lee, director of enrollment management and student services at Kent State Ashtabula. “Flash Medical Center gives these students a chance to explore different career paths, ask questions and experience firsthand what it's like to be part of these professions. We hope this experience gets them thinking about their future and helps them see Kent State as a place where they can take that next step toward a rewarding career.”
Since 2018, allied health program directors have acted as hospital staff and department heads while Ashtabula campus staff fill other various roles throughout the simulation. This year occupational therapy assistant program director Kathy Swoboda performed the role of the patient, Kathy Kent.
For some students, the experience helped confirm what they already envisioned for their futures.
Pymatuning Valley senior McCamey Compan arrived at the event about 90% certain she wanted to pursue a college degree in nursing. She left even more confident in her decision.
“I learned so, so much and leaving I could not be more excited to become a nurse,” Compan said.
Jefferson junior Myiah Janouskovec had a similar takeaway.
“It made me want to pursue my career in nursing even more, and it made me realize how much of an impact you can really make on someone's life by just little things,” she said.
Thanks to the teamwork of the students and Flash Medical Center staff, Kathy is expected to make a full recovery. And for the students who stepped into the roles of healthcare professionals, the experience may have helped shape their own futures in healthcare.
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