Condell's Trauma Day sparks interest in health care careers

The trauma team at Advocate Condell Medical Center recently invited more than 100 students from 10 area high schools to a "day in the life" of Lake County's only Level 1 Trauma Center.

"There are so many clinical and nonclinical career opportunities in health care," said Sharon Esterquest, trauma coordinator at Advocate Condell Medical Center. "As hospitals around the country confront national staffing shortages, it's more important than ever that we spark students' interest in one of the fields."

Volunteers from each department shared their personal stories - from how they started on this career path to their current day-to-day - and showcased how they work together to respond to and care for a trauma patient.

Students had the opportunity to interact with mock patients in the simulation lab and learn about robotic equipment in the operating room.

During the event, students rotated through 10 different stations hosted by teams involved in the care of a trauma patient, including getting the chance to look at a specially fitted helicopter dedicated to air transport.

While students explored health care roles, they also received important information from experts who work in a Level 1 Trauma Center on staying safe and on injury prevention strategies for their age group.

This was Lily Flader's second time attending Trauma Day. Last year, she was delighted to learn about all the careers that health care provides. Now a junior at Libertyville High School, she's excited to ask questions about education pathways and how the different presenters set themselves up for success.

"I think Trauma Day is awesome," Flader said. "Google can only tell you so much. Last year there were a lot of hands-on opportunities, and I got to talk to the men and women in the field about what their day-to-day life is like. This year I want to learn more about the story of how they got there."

Advocate Condell Medical Center's expansive state-of-the-art emergency department provides the highest standards of lifesaving care to patients of all ages. Given national staffing challenges, the event aims to educate students on a rewarding and much-needed career, Esterquest said.

"As students think about building their own careers, we're so proud to be able to share our team's skill and expertise," Advocate Condell Medical Center's President Matt Primack said.

"We need more people to consider joining the health care industry, and I hope these students see how incredibly rewarding these careers can be."

Participating teams for Trauma Day included:

• Trauma team

• Emergency Department

• Intensive Care Unit

• Operating Room

• Respiratory Therapy

• Rehab services

• Radiology

• Emergency Medical Services

• Police Department

• Fire Department

• Gift of Hope

• College of Lake County

• Lake County Coroner

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