MVHS Healthcare Panel shows students the many paths to a career in the field

Mount Vernon High School students attended a Career and Technical Education Healthcare Panel on Wednesday morning and learned that the multifaceted industry comprises many roles beyond doctors and nurses – and that there are many ways to get started right after graduation.

Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce opened the event by underscoring why the discussion is important.

“Without your health, you have nothing … Every year we must grow the workforce that cares for our communities,” she said, “encouraging students — particularly those who may only hear about physicians and nurses — to explore the wide range of jobs that offer rewarding careers.”

The panel was moderated by Jason Chapin, director of workforce development at the Westchester County Association, who handed out Skills magazine, a Westchester County workforce development guide for employers and job seekers. The students also received a one-page resource guide featuring a handy QR code.

Mr. Chapin gave students a succinct statement about the path they can embark on in short order.

“You can finish high school in June, complete a summer training, be certified by September, and step into an entry-level job that pays $30–50,000,” he told them.

The panelists:

• Dr. Sumathi Kasinathan, pediatrician at the Westchester Community Health Center
• Yvette Cleckley, recruiter at ENT & Allergy Associates
• Kim Mach, recruiter at Blythedale Children’s Hospital
• Yesenia Suarez, education outreach specialist at Westchester Medical Center
• Stacy-Ann Edwards, medical assistant at Westchester Community Health Center
• Robert Ramirez, clinical director at the Westchester Medical Group
• Corinne Jessup, educational outreach specialist at Westchester Medical Center

The panelists described an industry that is growing, stable and accessible to students who are imbued with passion and compassion.

The panelists described entry-level jobs — including medical assistants, patient care technicians and front desk receptionists — and noted that many employers provide on-the-job training, mentorships, tuition assistance and scholarships.

Ms. Jessup described the Westchester Medical Center Health Network’s nine hospitals across seven campuses and its student opportunities, on-campus training and tuition reimbursement.

“The most fulfilling part of my job is educating students about entry-level roles—then watching them get hired and move up,” she said.

Ms. Mach told the dozens of students that Blythedale in Valhalla, the only independent children's hospital in New York State, offers pathways from nurses or therapeutic aides into fields like occupational, physical and respiratory therapy along with scholarship support.

“Healthcare is a stable industry, and there are many facets where you can apply your skills and make an impact,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cleckley explained how ENT & Allergy Associates staff “listens to what people need,” adding, “I love connecting the right people to the right roles.”

Mr. Ramirez traced his own circuitous journey — from restaurant and construction jobs to pharmacy work, then pursuing a career in nursing.

“Entry-level roles opened doors for me. Exploration is OK — what matters is taking that first step,” he said.

And Ms. Edwards touched on the heart of the profession.

“If you have compassion, you can impact many lives. Sometimes patients, especially elders, just need someone to listen and share knowledge,” she said.

Several panelists predicted a future in which patients will seek more virtual care and healthcare workers will use more AI-supported tools -- but they emphasized that technology cannot replace people.

“AI cannot replace the human touch—the human connection—that’s most important in healthcare,” Ms. Cleckley said.

Students also were advised that they should prepare for their healthcare careers by  learning how to use PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook to augment their professional toolbox.

Dr. Kasinathan urged students to try their hand in hospital or clinic volunteering to discover what they like and what they don’t, saying: “Exposure helps you see if a setting is right for you.”

She also offered a personal note about how her medical career inspired her own daughter—who began as a clinic volunteer—to complete a pediatric fellowship at Stanford University.

One of the students at the event, junior Alisha Robinson, said the session was very valuable.

“I got to hear about different fields and what they are like,” said Alisha, who is interested in a career in sonography. “It was helpful to hear about scholarships and help with tuition.”

Bonnie Ball, a teacher at the MVHS nursing assistant program, said the panel discussion -- which was introduced last year – is important for aspiring healthcare professionals.

“It is very beneficial and helps that they hear directly from the medical professionals,” she said.

Director of CTE Brian Simmons said: “The healthcare panel is an incredible CTE opportunity for Mount Vernon students to experience real-world careers firsthand.”