May 19, 2022

By Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science staff

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The #NextGenMed Program was launched by Mayo Clinic in Florida in partnership with Duval County Public Schools to help students from underrepresented communities explore careers in health care.

Students at Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts in Jacksonville recently had a chance to practice suturing skills and CPR, and work with laparoscopic surgery tools thanks to the #NextGenMed Program. The program lets students from underrepresented communities explore careers in health care and be mentored by Mayo Clinic staff.

Students receive support and advice on their educational, career and professional development goals. They also can participate in virtual and live events designed to showcase a wide range of health care career opportunities.

The program was launched by Education, Community Engagement and the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at Mayo Clinic in Florida in partnership with Duval County Public Schools in early 2021. Twenty 10th grade students from the school — a health care-focused magnet school — were selected by their teachers based on the students' interests and goals.

When COVID-19 restricted in-person events, students participated in virtual sessions. During the sessions, Mayo staff talked about their backgrounds, education and careers, offering a glimpse into their daily work lives.

With restrictions recently eased, the program's leaders organized an in-person event at the school on March 21. With assistance from Mayo Clinic's Experiential Learning Center, a team of staff offered a range of interactive learning opportunities.

"Mayo Clinic understands the power and the magic of experiential learning," says Patrick McCabe, supervisor of Business Partnerships at Duval County Public Schools. "Finding pathways to successful careers is all about creating hands-on, interactive learning opportunities for our students. Our Mayo team is fulfilling the promise of this #NextGenMed collaboration by going above and beyond, and we couldn't be more appreciative."

Students also expressed appreciation and asked Mayo Clinic to return to the school for additional events.

Mentoring the next generation

The mentoring component of the #NextGenMed Program matches students with Mayo Clinic staff based on students' areas of interest and the mentors' desire to become involved in the community. Students are connected with diverse health care professionals who are a resource for the students and guide them on their educational paths.

Mentors and students are given a framework to work with and the autonomy to develop their relationship in a way that works best for both.

Surveys show that mentorship has benefited students and mentors.

"My participation in the program has grounded me further in my belief of ubuntu: 'I am because you are,'" says Amber C. Johnson, Nursing Administration, who is a #NextGenMed mentor. "It has been an honor to stand in support of my mentees' goals, hopes, and dreams."

Program leaders want to build on the program's success.

"We are confident about the future of the program, remain appreciative to all of those involved in this trial run, and are sincerely grateful to the mentors for going above and beyond their daily responsibilities to invest in the success of our youth," says Andrew Austin, director of the #NextGenMed Program.

More information

Visit the #NextGenMed Program website to learn more. If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor, contact Sharon Torres, program director, Office for Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.