THRIVE Program Inspires Future Healthcare Professionals
By Jamie Bankston, MS, RN, LSSYB, AVP, Education and Professional Development
This summer, Cook Children’s had the privilege of partnering with All Saints Episcopal School (ASES) to host a unique and impactful program called THRIVE for students entering fifth and sixth grades. The program was designed by Cook Children’s Board member and retired ASES headmaster, Mike “Gonzo” Gonzalez. THRIVE aimed to provide 11 students from a socioeconomically challenged area with a five-week enriching educational experience focused on enhancing language arts and math skills through interactive learning activities within a STEAM academy called the Exploratorium.
A highlight of the THRIVE program was the opportunity for students to explore various healthcare careers through three exciting field trips to Cook Children’s Medical Center-Fort Worth. These visits provided a comprehensive and engaging look into the world of healthcare, sparking interest and inspiring dreams in our young visitors.
During their first visit, students participated in a fun infection control activity with handwashing and Glo Germ black light sessions led by Melissia Hampton, Laboratory Clinical Educator. They also learned about the importance of oral health care from Tonya Fuqua, DDS, accident prevention from Dan Guzman, M.D., and brain health and function from Leigh Anne Campbell, Neurosciences Educator and Janis Smith, Child Life Manager. A particularly motivating moment was a talk from Amy Kotter, Nurse Residency Manager, who shared her inspiring journey of qualifying a second time for the Boston Marathon, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
The second visit introduced the students to the Motion Lab, where they delved into musculoskeletal and neurology concepts in an advanced technology setting under the guidance of Warren Marks, M.D. and Lindsay Jacobs, PT. This visit concluded with a valuable nutrition session from Maya Rashad, Dietician. She creatively emphasized the importance of healthy eating habits and avoiding processed foods.
Their final field trip was an exciting exploration of the Simulation Lab. Here, the students learned about cardiac and respiratory anatomy, observed pig lungs connected to a ventilator, listened to heart and lung sounds with stethoscopes, and experienced high-fidelity mannequins in action. Faculty included Stacey Bancroft, Manager of Clinical Education, Becky Southworth, Simulation Lab Director, Linda Jacobs, Experiential Learning Specialist, Liz Barriteau, Asthma and Trach Educator, and Mary Bina, Respiratory Educator.
At least two of the students have expressed a newfound interest in pursuing careers in healthcare. One student was particularly inspired by Amy's speech, while another expressed his excitement about the Motion Lab and meeting the mayor of Fort Worth. Another student proudly wore her stethoscope for several days and has shown a keen interest in nursing as a career. A young man told his father that he would rather be a doctor than a basketball player.
This program was a collaborative effort, with many educators, physicians, and health care specialists coming together to give back to our community. As coordinator of the Cook Children’s partnership with the THRIVE program, I am grateful for the contributions of all faculty who supported this initiative and provided invaluable exposure to healthcare professions for young students and their high school mentors.
In addition, I am grateful to Cook Children's Medical Center President Stan Davis and Chief of Staff Mattie Parker for their warm and inspiring welcome. The THRIVE program was a remarkable opportunity to influence the future of many young lives. We look forward to continuing efforts to support and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals.