GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — West Ottawa High School students visited Spectrum Health’s Medical Mile campus Monday to get an in-person look at what it’s like to work in health care.

“I’m thinking of going pre-med in college, so I think it’s a really great to kind of explore what might lie ahead for me and understand what goes on in a hospital,” senior Alex Ky said.

He was among about 25 students with an interest in health care who got hands-on training.

“They’re going to have the opportunity to learn how to suture. They’re going to learn CPR skills,” Dr. Robert Cuff said.

Students also used ultrasound machines and learned to work with patients with vein problems.

West Ottawa senior Mia Patchin, who wants to go into pediatrics, said the trip gave her some practical experience in the field she’s interested in.

“In the classroom we’ve worked with different kinds of animals. Now we get to use actual human dummies,” she said.  

Dr. Cuff, who runs Spectrum’s Jacob and Lois Mol Cardiovascular Simulation Center, said the goal of the visit was to encourage students to look at a variety of careers within health care.

“We’re trying to give them a broad idea in what you can do with a science background related to health care,” Cuff said. “”There are many roles available, so you don’t have to think that health care is only doctors and nurses. There are tons of other opportunities out there.”

“I think it’s really important that we do help fill that gap so that we have access to good medical care,” Ky said.