Marion County Medical Center Gives Local Students An Inside Look

05/31/2007

Marion, SC—As part of National Hospital Week 2007, Marion County Medical Center opened their doors to local students.  Students from Marion High School and Creek Bridge High School got the opportunity to tour the hospital grounds and visit various departments, such as Administration, Radiology, the Wellness Center, the Lab, the Pharmacy, the Business Office and Information Technology.     The tour was designed to give high school seniors the opportunity to see different departments throughout the hospital and insight into all the medical field professions. Students from Debra Pogue’s Honors Biology II class, at Marion High School, were among the students touring the hospital.   “You could tell from the look in their eyes, their expressions and the enthusiasm they displayed that this was great experience for them,” said Roosevelt Stackhouse, R.N., Director of Nursing. Stacie Davis, a senior at Marion High School, was impressed by all of the technology throughout the hospital. “I really enjoyed visiting the lab and seeing how all the blood and plasma are collected and stored.  I thought it was really cool how one person can donate their blood, and it can be processed to help a bunch of other people,” she said. Throughout each department, hospital employees were on hand to answer questions for the students.   Many of the guides also explained special school requirements that would be needed for jobs in their particular field, including average starting salaries for their position and job functions and responsibilities.   “The managers of Marion County Medical Center, without exception, showed a deep involvement in their fields and a strong desire to encourage the youth to think in terms of a future in healthcare.  I believe that my group left knowing that their tour guides enjoy their jobs and that there are many employment opportunities in the healthcare industry,” said Alta DuBose, Vice President of Finance. Marion County Medical Center has some of the newest, top of the line technical equipment in the area. Hospital staff also demonstrated and explained the functions of machines like the CT scanner, the X-ray and the Ultrasound machine for the students,   “After looking at some of the equipment, they were amazed at how much technology was in the hospital and how it helped us diagnose patients.” said Kay White, Vice President of Human Resources and Diversity Management.   “I was very impressed by all of the hospital employee’s enthusiasm and detailed explanations for the students.  It is so important to keep them interested and spark their curiosity, at this point in their lives.  When they see that the employees enjoy their jobs, it makes them excited and more interested in pursing possible careers in this field,” said Leon Sturkey, Counselor at Marion High School.    Hospital Week events are designed to spread healthcare awareness and information about Marion County Medical Center to the surrounding communities.  Events like these give the community the opportunity to meet the faces behind the medicine and also a time to visit the hospital for reasons other than a doctor’s appointment or treatment.   “It is important to us to give students the opportunity to see how the hospital runs. These kids are our future, and if we can inspire and encourage them to pursue their goals and careers in the medical field, then we’ve succeeded in touching their lives,” said Gene Tucker, President/CEO, Marion County Medical Center. During National Hospital Week special events are also planned for hospital personnel and others who contribute to the hospital’s goal of providing exceptional healthcare.  One of these events is the Physician’s Luncheon, which is designed to honor the physicians and their spouses, for their support and dedication to the hospital.   “This year’s luncheon was very successful and it will surely become an annual event,” said Elista Smith, Vice President of Pubic Relations and Patient Financial Services Manager.