1. Discovery Program at Northwestern Medicine
Program Overview

2. Discovery Program Summary
A unique two-year program for select high school students to encourage their interest in health care
Program goals:
Provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse career opportunities that are available in health care
Expose students to both traditional and non-traditional medical careers
Students will learn practical skills as they navigate real-life hospital and patient care scenarios
Program model:
Activities will be facilitated by Northwestern Medicine physicians, clinicians and professional staff
Facility and service line tours
Presentations
Group discussions
Practical hands-on projects
Community service projects
Networking opportunities

3. Session Topics Potential Session Topics Include:
Cardiology: From diagnosis to rehabilitation
Quality: What is the importance of quality and safety in the healthcare setting
Human Resources: Working in healthcare and job application process
Oncology and Pathology: Mock Tumor Board
Nursing: Opportunities for nursing within the healthcare system
Proton Center: Unique care outside the hospital
Vaccine Clinic: Meeting the needs of the underserved in our community
Medical Library: Research and understanding
Hospital Administration: Healthcare leadership
Emergency Department: Life in the ED
Simulation Lab: Where practice makes perfect
Security: How hospitals maintain safety
Volunteer Services: Volunteerism in healthcare

4. Program Logistics
Approximately 25 sophomore and junior high school students from DuPage, Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties will be accepted to participate
Two-year commitment
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and remain in good standing during their participation
Program runs from October through August, meeting the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9:00AM-12:00PM
Program sessions will be held at one of the Northwestern Medicine hospital campuses (Central DuPage, Delnor or Northwestern Memorial) or the Proton Center in Warrenville

5. Application Process
Applications will be posted online at by August 1, 2016
Applicants must:
Be at least 15 years of age
Be going into their sophomore or junior year of high school
Have an academic GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 GPA scale)
Commit to a two year program, including attendance at all Discovery Program meetings and community service activities

6. Application Process Continued Application Requirements:
Neatly written application
Program fee (upon acceptance) of $50 (waived for those that qualify for participation in the free/reduced lunch program)
Consent for minor to participate form to be completed
Personal statement
Essay question
(1) Academic recommendation
Official school transcript
Application Deadline: September 14, 2016
Notifications will be ed by October 3, 2016

7. Next Steps Communication will be emailed when application is posted
Flyers are available for distribution – contact Karin Podolski at

8. Questions
Contact information:
Karin Podolski