Over the past 20 years Auburn Memorial Hospital has partnered with the Learning for Life Division of the Cayuga County Council, Boy Scouts of America to offer a Medical Exploring Program to high school-aged young people throughout Cayuga County. Medical Exploring is open to any student who is at least 14 years old or has finished the eighth grade through age 20. Students with an interest in the medical field are identified through Learning for Life's annual Career Interest Survey conducted through the guidance departments at area high schools.

Thirty years ago when we conducted this survey, there was basically two categories for students interested in health care to select from - doctor or nurse. Today's survey lists 26 medical career categories and that just scratches the surface. Those students who completed this years' survey will be receiving a special letter in September from AMH's President and CEO Scott Berlucchi inviting them along with their parents to attend a 𔄙st Niter” meeting to learn more about Medical Exploring and how they can join.

Traditionally 20 to 30 students join the Post each year. A few join, looking for “ER,” “Scrubs” and “Greys' Anatomy,” but they don't find it. They may then move on to pursue other interests. But most are fascinated by all that they are able to see and do and learn.

Post members get to meet and interact with health care professionals and have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and get a sense of how a hospital runs. The Post meets at least twice a month at the hospital with the Post members deciding the focus of the program.

Laura Gray of Weedsport, a former emergency room nurse at AMH, was the previous Post advisor. RN's Alicyn Salato and John Lupien took over the reigns this summer supported by pharmacist Donna Kushyk and nurse manager Mark Ambrose. A core group of Post members is meeting over the summer and is getting ready for the influx of new members in September.

Students who are interested in joining the Post now or who want additional information, may call the Learning for Life Office at 252-9579.

In addition to Medical Exploring there is also a law enforcement Post sponsored by the Cayuga County Sheriffs Department for students interested in careers in law enforcement. Plans are on the drawing board for a firefighting Post and a legal Post among others.

The program activities of an explorer Post combine the interests of young adults with the resources and adult expertise of the participating organization - in this case the AMH staff. Exploring offers five areas of emphasis for its career education programs: Career opportunities, leadership experience, life skills, citizenship and character education. Adult advisors and youth members blend these five areas of emphasis to ensure a well-balanced program.

Don Grillo is the Scout Executive for the Cayuga County Council, Boy Scouts of America located

at 7235 Mutton Hill Road in Auburn.