For Ashlyn Kroeger, an aspiring physician in western Kansas, one of the biggest challenges of growing up in rural Kansas was finding hands-on opportunities to explore a career in medicine.

Kroeger decided to create those opportunities herself. She launched a HOSA chapter at her high school to connect students interested in healthcare careers and provide exposure that previously did not exist locally. 

Her initiative did not stop there. Before her sophomore year, Kroeger completed coursework to become a certified nursing assistant and soon began working at her local nursing home. 

“[That] gave me my first true experience working directly with patients and confirmed that healthcare was the path I want to pursue,” she said. 

While HOSA – Future Health Professionals is seeing record participation across Kansas, reflecting growing interest in healthcare careers, students in rural communities often face barriers to gaining real-world experience. For many students, overcoming those barriers generates a strong sense of initiative and resilience. Communities across the state are facing healthcare workforce shortages, so lowering these barriers and investing in future healthcare professionals is critically important. 

Building a path to a career in medicine 

Kroeger’s interest in medicine began early. Inspired by her mother, a nurse, and by her family’s history of neurologic diseases such as dementia and ALS, she developed a passion for neurology and helping families facing those conditions. 

She plans to attend Fort Hays State University before transferring to University of Kansas and eventually pursuing medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. 

Kroeger served during the inaugural year of the University of Kansas Medical Center's Teen Community Advisory Board, joining 11 other upperclassmen from across Kansas who met virtually each month to explore healthcare careers and leadership opportunities. Teens on the board also provide valuable insights into KU Medical Center’s programs for youth and aspiring healthcare professionals. Kroeger credits the advisory board with helping her discover new opportunities and expand her understanding of careers in healthcare. 

“I’ve been able to access experiences, knowledge and connections my school alone would never have been able to provide,” Kroeger said. “Those challenges pushed me to be proactive, and in the process, I’ve helped create opportunities for others, too.” 

The Teen Community Advisory Board recently completed its inaugural year. According to Mary Susan Kircher, program director of community relations and strategic partnerships at KU Medical Center, all of the board's junior members elected to return next academic year, and four new members will join the group. Looking ahead, the board hopes to take on a greater ambassador role, helping connect teens in their local communities with opportunities and resources that support healthcare career exploration and readiness. 

Finding inspiration through exposure 

Kallan Rothchild credited the Teen Community Advisory Board with expanding her understanding of the many pathways available in healthcare. 

Rothchild graduated from Trego Community High School this spring and plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall where she will major in biochemistry and leadership. Rothchild described her time as a member of the Teen Community Advisory Board as an “eye-opening experience.” 

“ I became more aware of the challenges that many young people in western Kansas face when exploring careers in healthcare,” Rothchild said. “I also learned about the many research programs, internships and hospital-based experiences available to students in larger communities. That exposure helped me realize how much more there is to healthcare than I previously understood and motivated me to seek out additional opportunities to learn and grow.” 

During the past school year, Rothchild was able to shadow doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals at her local hospital — a valuable experience that strengthened her interest in medicine and gave her valuable insight into patient care. 

“One of the biggest challenges facing youth in western Kansas is a lack of information and exposure to the opportunities available in healthcare,” Rothchild said.  

Before joining the board, Rothchild said she was unaware that some physicians dedicate their careers entirely to research or that so many different pathways exist within healthcare. While many students in rural communities are familiar with careers such as physicians, nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants, they are not always exposed to the wide range of specialties and professions available. Without that exposure, she said, it can be difficult for students to discover careers that may be a good fit. 

Rothchild has wanted to become a doctor for as long as she can remember. She recalls realizing at age 6 that medicine was the path she wanted to pursue. Her younger sister was born with complex medical needs, and her family spent a great deal of time in children's hospitals during her early years. While it was difficult to see so many children facing serious health challenges, Rothchild was inspired by the doctors, nurses and healthcare teams who cared for them with compassion, skill and dedication.  

“Watching the positive impact they had on patients and families made me realize that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others in the same way,” Rothchild said. 

Finding another path forward 

For Whitney Wolff of Wichita, the challenge was different: she exhausted the science courses available at her high school. 

After completing AP Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biology II and Physics, Wolff hoped to take Organic Chemistry. Despite support from her school, scheduling and logistical barriers prevented her from enrolling in the college-level course. 

Instead of giving up, Wolff found new ways to advance her education. Through Butler Community College’s Early College Academy Program, she accelerated her science coursework, completing General Physics in one semester and enrolling in Pathophysiology. 

She also created an independent study in Organic Chemistry with support from her AP Chemistry teacher. Her school even purchased supplies for a chemiluminescence lab project in which she is creating a glow stick from scratch. 

“This year didn’t unfold the way I expected, but it strengthened my foundation and expanded my confidence in navigating obstacles,” Wolff said. “It’s not the traditional route, but it’s pushed me to be resourceful, self-directed and deeply engaged in my learning.” 

Wolff hopes to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. 

The experiences of Kansas teens like Kroeger, Rothchild and Wolff highlight both the challenges students face in pursuing healthcare careers and the determination they bring to overcoming them. As healthcare workforce shortages persist, supporting students’ curiosity and ambition today may help strengthen Kansas’ future healthcare workforce tomorrow. 

Are you affiliated with a healthcare organization that offers volunteer, shadowing or career-exploration opportunities for high school students? We'd love to hear from you. Contact Mary Susan Kircher at mkircher2@kumc.edu.