One moment they were navigating the halls of Memorial Hospital. The next, they were practicing suturing techniques under the guidance of medical professionals. For 40 high school students from 16 schools across Kern County, the second annual Kern Healthcare Academy offered an immersive introduction to careers in the medical field. 

  

Hosted at CSU Bakersfield in July, the academy was made possible through a partnership between the K16 Kern Regional Education Collaborative, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the More in Common Alliance. 

 

Following a successful inaugural year, the no-cost residential academy doubled its enrollment while expanding the number of days offered. Participants experienced college life while taking part in university-level workshops led by medical residents, networking with healthcare professionals, and exploring medical specialties through hands-on learning. 

  

“Instead of having the 20 students that we had last year, we've been blessed with 40 brilliant minds," said Desmond Brock, Health Careers Exposure Program (HCEP) Administrative Assistant with Morehouse School of Medicine. 

  

For Stockdale High School senior Jailyn Davila, the program introduced her to opportunities she never realized existed in her own community. While visiting Memorial Hospital, she toured the various labs and had the opportunity to speak with hospital CEO Ken Keller. 

  

"I didn't know we were so well equipped here, and I didn't realize how many medical professionals we still need," Davila said. "They told us there was only about one pediatrician for every 2,000 to 3,000 kids, and I want to come back and help fill those gaps." 

  

The experience also broadened Davila’s perspective on her own future in medicine. 

  

When she applied to the program, she envisioned becoming a pediatrician. After spending the week exploring different specialties and speaking with medical professionals, she left considering entirely new possibilities. 

  

“I saw so many other specialties I had never considered before,” Davila said. “I think I might want to be a surgeon now.” 

  

While Davila left with a new outlook on her future, Stockdale High School junior Tristan Magno entered the academy already familiar with its mission after participating in the pre-academy last summer. The introductory program for younger students prepares rising sophomores for the residential academy. 

  

“I think this is a really cool transition,” Magno said. “The pre-academy was kind of like dipping your feet in, but the Residential Academy is really deep diving into how to be a better leader in healthcare and what we need to be ready for as we enter the field.” 

  

Unlike the introductory program, this year's academy gave students the opportunity to live on campus together. It was an experience Magno said became just as meaningful as the medical training itself. 

  

After learning suturing techniques during the day, Magno and his roommates continued practicing their skills together in their dorm’s common room before ending the night. 

  

“We stayed up kind of late and practiced,” he said. “We were all bonding and motivating each other to get better and working toward the same goal.” 

  

Initially interested in dentistry, Magno said spending time alongside nurses and hearing the respect physicians and residents had for them inspired him to pursue nursing instead. Magno now hopes to become a pediatric Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). He emphasized the importance of building a stronger healthcare system close to home. 

  

“We need a lot more healthcare specialists in Bakersfield,” he said. “I want Kern County to have everything families need, so people don't have to leave for healthcare.” 

  

For Brock, students like Davila and Magno embody what the academy hopes to accomplish by exposing young people to new opportunities in healthcare. 

  

“It’s okay for you to pivot, it’s okay to change your mind, and it’s okay to fail,” he said. “Sometimes we walk a path not just for ourselves, but for the people coming behind us.” 

  

The program concluded with a symbolic white coat ceremony, where students were surrounded by family, friends, and healthcare professionals as they received special certificates from state legislators, a scholarship, and their own white coat representing the beginning of their journey toward a career in healthcare. 

  

Davila and Magno were among six students selected to share reflections on how the academy shaped their experiences and future aspirations. 

  

“I don’t know if I’ll come back as a surgeon or pediatrician, but I do know that I will come back to care for and serve my community the same way each of you care for our community today,” Davila said.