On Saturday, June 14, the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Katz) opened its doors to Philadelphia public and charter high school students for its Health Careers Exploration Day—an immersive, hands-on experience designed to spark interest in healthcare professions among rising 9th through 12th graders. The one-day event invited students to step into the world of medicine through interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and inspiring conversations with medical students and healthcare professionals.
More than just a glimpse into the life of a doctor, physician assistant, or scientific researcher, the day was a celebration of possibility. Participants explored careers across a broad spectrum of health fields—including medicine, physical therapy, podiatry, dentistry, public health, biomedical research, and more. They engaged in skill-building activities, gained exposure to cutting-edge medical tools, and connected directly with Temple students and mentors who are currently navigating the medical path.
“Our Health Careers Exploration Day is about more than just introducing high school students to the medical field—it’s about affirming their potential,” said Abiona Berkeley, JD, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Health Equity, “We want students to walk away seeing themselves as future doctors, nurses, researchers, and healthcare leaders. By providing early exposure and hands-on learning, we aim to inspire the next generation of diverse professionals who will serve and uplift their communities.”
In addition to the educational workshops, students participated in panel discussions with health professionals and college readiness experts, learning what it takes to prepare for and succeed in a healthcare career.
The panel discussion was led by Temple graduate students, offering attendees the unique opportunity to hear from near-peer mentors who could share real-life insights and encouragement.
By the end of the day, students left not only with new knowledge and experiences, but also with a renewed sense of excitement about their future. For many, Health Careers Exploration Day was the first step on their journey toward a meaningful career in healthcare.