From aiding simulated surgeries to coordinating a mock clinical trial, prospective students gained hands-on experience with career possibilities offered at the new Durham Early College of Health Sciences (DECHS) during an event co-hosted by Duke CTSI.
“Your future starts now!” proclaimed a sign greeting students and their families at the March 6 event featuring health career exploration. The new high school, located at Durham Technical Community College, will open its doors to ninth graders this fall.
Principal Joshua Brown greeted prospective students at the door and encouraged them to embrace the opportunity to be part of the inaugural class of this innovative high school, funded by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to help meet critical health care workforce shortages.
Team members from CTSI, Duke Office of Clinical Research (DOCR), and Duke Health joined collaborators from Durham Tech and Durham Public Schools to create a series of interactive educational experiences, each showcasing one of the four health science-related pathways at the high school: surgical technology, nursing, medical assisting, and clinical research.
“As the first high school in the region to offer a direct career pathway into clinical research, DECHS is breaking new ground in preparing students for this vital field,” said Stephanie Freel, PhD, PMP, director of clinical research operations, education, and outreach for DOCR and CTSI. “We are proud to partner with our collaborators to help find and support unique pathways into the clinical research workforce.”
In one engaging activity, students and their families worked alongside clinical research professionals to help “stock a pharmacy” with treatments that have impacted their lives or the world, illustrating how clinical research plays a crucial role in saving lives and advancing health care.
Accepted students have until March 12 to choose DECHS for their high school education. Learn more about DECHS.