Region One ESC and DHR Health Institute for Research & Development Partner to Introduce Elementary Students to Careers in Health Science

 EDINBURG – The Region One ESC Pathways Aligned to Health Sciences (PATHS) Project and the DHR Health Institute for Research & Development hosted over 100 fourth-grade students from La Joya ISD, Lasara ISD, Lyford CISD and Roma ISD at the Health Science and Career Exploration Elementary Conference, held on Nov. 3 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance in Edinburg, TX.

The interactive conference engaged students with numerous hands-on activities that informed them about physical therapy, respiratory therapy, dietetics, nursing, and neuroscience, among others.

“Early intervention is key to making students aware of all the different options they may have in the health science field,” said Dr. Eliza Alvarado, Director of the Region One Paths Project. “Having different opportunities for students is important, particularly, because not all students like the same things.”

The conference was designed to raise awareness of careers in the health science industry beyond nursing and becoming a medical doctor.

“Going into medicine needs to be a decision that needs to be taken early in life,” said Dr. Sohail Rao, Executive Vice President for Research & Leadership Development, DHR Health. “Health sciences is not just doctors and physicians. It’s much more than that. It’s supply chain. It’s information technology. It’s legal. Exposing students to all the various fields in health sciences gives them the opportunity to make an informed decision about their careers.

In hopes of inspiring the next generation of professionals in health science, Dr. Monica M. Betancourt-Garcia, Scientific Director of the Center of Excellence for Trauma Research in the Border Region at the DHR Health Institute for Research & Development spoke to students about success.

“Sometimes, when you want to be successful, things aren’t going to be easy,” Dr. Betancourt-Garcia said. “But when you try really hard, and you work at it, then you’re successful.”

The Region One PATHS Project aids districts in understanding the healthcare programs available to students, along with the kinds of curricular and extracurricular activities needed for students to succeed in those programs.

The project is funded by the Texas Education Agency and provides targeted learning experiences to promote student interest in healthcare fields.

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