In Hampton Roads, when a high school student says they want to be a doctor, nutritionist or surgical assistant, they go to medical school — sort of. 

At Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, interested high school students can attend the Health Sciences Academy, a two-week summer program that showcases the plethora of careers in the healthcare field. 

During the academy, students participate in hands-on activities, workshops, lectures and even wheelchair races.

Health Sciences Academy students practicing CPR.
Health Sciences Academy students explored a wide variety of medical careers during the two weeks, including emergency care on the Nightingale team. Photo by Cory Hooper for Old Dominion University. 

“Many students are interested in health professions, but may not fully understand the educational pathways, career options or personal qualities required for success,” said Kela Cowan-Gant, director of student engagement and director of the Health Sciences Academy at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University. “Through the academy, students gain firsthand insight into the value of post-secondary education, explore a wide range of health sciences careers and develop the skills, professionalism and resilience needed to thrive in these fields.” 

This summer, more than 50 public high school students came from Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Northampton County public schools to explore a wide variety of medical topics, including human anatomy, ultrasound, art therapy, nursing and sports medicine. 

“There are always light bulb moments, where we enjoy seeing the gears click in place, and the students go from seeing the careers to seeing themselves in them,” said Cowan-Gant. “By the end of academy, our students have identified the careers they’re interested in, and they understand what it takes to get there.” 

Since its inception, the Health Sciences Academy has been fully tuition-free thanks to the generosity of many donors. This year’s academy was supported by the Beazley Foundation, Portsmouth General Hospital Foundation and Southeast Virginia Community Foundation.

Group photo with Steve Best, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Beazley Foundation with students Hayden Langevin and Jayce Jordan, Karen D. Wood, executive assistant for The Beazley Foundation; and Kim Ferguson, Ed.D.
From left: R. Steve Best, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Beazley Foundation; Hayden Langevin and Jayce Jordan, Hampton Roads high school students; Karen D. Wood, executive assistant for The Beazley Foundation; and Kim Ferguson, Ed.D. Photo by Niki Hazuda for Old Dominion University.

"The Beazley Foundation believes that investing in students today is investing in the health of our community tomorrow," said R. Stephen Best, Sr., president and CEO of the Beazley Foundation, Inc. “Supporting the Health Sciences Academy allows us to give Chesapeake students hands-on exposure to the medical field, mentorship from working professionals and a real head start on pursuing careers in healthcare. We're both pleased and proud to help open that door for them."