Health Careers Institute - AZ
A free educational opportunity for high school students, held in Glendale, AZ.
Join ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University faculty and students for a FREE 8-day hands-on workshop to learn about healthcare professions. The program runs from June 20 through 29 (no classes June 22–23) 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily.
The Health Careers Institute for High School Students will be a live, in-person learning event on the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University campus. Scroll to view our complete list of mentors.
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Resources for Attendees
Additional Workshop Information
Interactive workshops
- Human and Animal Anatomy
- Dental Simulation
- Osteopathic Medicine Hands-On Skills
- Vital Signs & Patient Physical Exams
- Physical Therapy in Motion
- Optometry: The Magic of Vision
- The Many Roles of the Pharmacist
- Occupational Therapy: Skills for the Job of Living
- A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian
- Venipuncture, Suturing, Intubation, & Other Clinical Skills
- Plus more exciting experiences!
Rural Housing Scholarships
Applications are now open for NEW scholarships for rural Arizona students to attend this program.
Apply for the Rural Housing Scholarship
Want to see what you can expect from the Health Careers Institute? Check out this video:
Learn more about ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University
ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University is your gateway to a comprehensive healthcare education.
Meet the 2024 Mentors
Sofia Barajas - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
My name is Sofia and I am a first-year ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ medical student here at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University. I grew up in surprise, Arizona and graduated from Shadow Ridge High School. From there I attended Arizona State University where I majored in Medical Studies. Since I am the first person in my family to pursue a career in healthcare, navigating the application process was difficult. I am thankful to have found ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University and all the amazing people here. A fun fact about me is I am second generation Air Force. Both of my parents are retired Air Force and I am Air Force reserve. After graduation, I will be serving active duty as a military physician. I have 3 dogs who are the best study buddies; Romeo, Lola, Raven. When I am not studying, I love try new foods and exploring new places.
Declan Carr - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
My name is Declan Carr and I am a just finishing up my first year as an ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ medical student. I grew up in Gilbert, Arizona and attended Highland Highschool. In high school I went to Ethiopia and did volunteer work there for 2 weeks. After high school I went and lived in central Canada and did volunteer work there for another 2 years before beginning my undergraduate at Brigham Young University in Utah. In undergraduate I studied Nutritional Science, did an EMT certification, worked in a psych hospital for 2 years, and did mitochondrial research on different muscle tissues. My wife played basketball at BYU and so we are always playing sports, talking sports, getting into new sports, and trying to find ways to be active. I love interacting with people and am so excited to get to know each of you. My biggest pieces of advice is to learn to love learning and to always find and keep your hobbies.
Ethan Crowley - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hey my name is Ethan Crowley I am a dental student here at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. I grew up in Parker, CO just southeast of Denver. After high school I spent two years in Brazil on a mission trip for my church. I attended Utah Valley University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in biology. During my undergrad I also obtained a professional certificate in the culinary arts from Park City Culinary Institute. I have played many sports through high school and college mainly tennis, volleyball, and baseball. I would consider myself quite the adrenaline junkie so you can find me skiing, rock climbing, and rippin’ on the roller skates. I love living an eclectic lifestyle so whatever you are interested in I am willing to try or have already tried it.
Maguerite Djossou - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hello everyone! My name is Maguerite Djossou, and I am a first-year medical student here at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University. I am originally from Alexandria, Virginia and attended Virginia Tech, where I graduated with a degree in Food Science and Technology. After graduating, I spent a couple of years working as a medical assistant at an OB/GYN clinic. I moved to Arizona in 2022 to get a Masters in Biomedical Sciences from ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University and stayed for medical school. I am a first-generation college student, and now,medical student, and I wish I had an opportunity such as this program, when I was in high school. I am looking forward to working with you all and learning alongside you! In my spare time, I enjoy going on hikes, kickboxing, baking, cooking, and roller skating (attempting to). Can't wait to work with you all this summer!
Eric Dodson - Student Doctor, Class of 2024
Hi everyone! My name is Eric Dodson I am a Master of Biomedical Sciences student applying to AZCOM. I am originally from Harriman New York where I worked as a Paramedic and Volunteered as a firefighter. I joined the Navy in 2008 as a Hospital Corpsman for 11 years. This took me all over the world and I predominantly served as a medic for a Marine Corps Infantry unit. I completed my undergrad degree at The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Biobehavioral Health. I have almost 20 years of prehospital experience and when COVID hit New York I worked as an RN for the summer. Prior to coming to AZ I taught private swim lessons and was an Assistant Coach for the swim team. Fun fact about me, I am passionate about teaching, and I teach prehospital trauma courses for three different companies.
Nicole Erjavic - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
I'm Nicole, a rising M2. I was born and raised in south Phoenix and attended Desert Vista High School. I graduated from ASU in 2018 with a BS in Biology and a Minor in Studio Art. Prior to matriculating at AZCOM, I worked as a medical scribe at a cardiovascular clinic. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was one of the most valuable experiences of my entire life. Working up close with a physician and observing her interactions with patients completely reshaped my views on medicine, and what kind of physician I want to be in the future. A few of my hobbies include watercolor painting, taking some laps through a park on my inline skates, and getting lost in a good book. Congratulations on your acceptance into the program! I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you!
Reaghan Fletcher - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hello! My name is Reaghan, I am a first-year medical student at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University! Born in Tucson, Arizona, but I grew up in a few different states across the country. I graduated from Arizona State Unviersity in 2018 with a degree in biomedical engineering and went on to work for an orthopedic implant company as an engineer. (fun fact, I spent about 2 months in India as a part of this job!) I eventually switched gears and started work as a medical scribe in the ER for just shy of 4 years. I also taught visual and music techniques to a couple of high school marching bands in Arizona for the past six years. When I have free time, I love running, mountain biking, and traveling.
Jordyn Garland - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi everyone! My name is Jordyn Garland, and I am in AZCOM class of 2027. I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky where I got an undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry and psychology. I came to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University and completed a biomedical masters and now attended medical school here with hopes of going into an ER residency. I have my EMT license and worked in the ER as a scribe! I have taught as a TA and tutor for biology, as well as most sciences for all grade levels. I am super excited to be doing this camp as someone who is a 1st generation medical student who didn’t have much help getting here so I am so excited to help you all on your journey! Some fun facts about me are I am a Taekwondo instructor and I work as a princess/superhero for kid’s birthdays and events in Arizona on weekends!
Anika Graack - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi, my name is Anika and I am finishing my first year at AZCOM! I completed my undergraduate degree in Human Physiology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish at the University of Oregon Honors College. After graduation, I moved to Las Vegas to teach high school science. I was born in Arizona, so I am very excited to be back here for medical school. I am hoping to work in OB/GYN or emergency medicine. When I am not studying, I love cycling and listening to Taylor Swift. My biggest piece of advice is to be yourself, because you are enough!
Karen Helzner - Student Doctor, Class of 2024/2027
Hi everyone! I’m a native of Arizona and completed high school at Corona del Sol in Tempe. I received my B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and went on to further study Dietetics through an internship at Utah State University. I am a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Coach, and throughout my 20 years of practice I’ve held various roles in Dietetics: clinical in-patient/outpatient care in hospitals and private practice, management and business development, medical sales and marketing, educator and fitness professional, behavioral health and eating disorders, and most recently, clinical oncology. After completing the Masters in Biomedical Science here at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University, I am pursuing my dream of becoming an Osteopathic Physician as an incoming student to AZCOM. I reside in Desert Ridge and am a mother of three who will be attending Pinnacle High School. I am looking forward to an unforgettable summer experience with you all!
Jamin Jensen - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
My name is Jamin Jensen, I have just finished up my first year as an ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ medical student. I have three sisters and grew up all over the United States living in Nevada, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Utah. I played basketball and soccer throughout high school, so I love all things sports. After completing high school in Utah, I volunteered for two years in Winnipeg, Canada before completing my undergraduate degree in Nutrition at Southern Utah University. While at Southern Utah University, I obtained by national phlebotomy license as well as my national pharmacy technician’s license. I worked as a pharmacy technician throughout my undergraduate degree. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor but solidified that belief when I went on a medical humanitarian trip to Ghana. I look forward to helping all of you find your passion for medicine.
Cristina Ou - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hello, my name is Cristina Ou (Oh) and I will be finishing up my first year at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM). I grew up in San Jose, CA but have lived in Arizona now for almost half of my life. I received my undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and worked as an MRI/X-ray tech before applying to medical school. I enjoy dancing and doing dance fitness specifically. In my spare time, you will catch me with my family, enjoying some sun or just making memories. One piece of advice I will give is to find your people in the program or school you choose. You will make lifelong friends that will enhance your academic life and make it that much more enjoyable. Also, take time for yourself and continue to do the things you love, it is so important to stay grounded.
Ashley Parker - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi friends! My name is Ashley Parker. I am a first-year medical student here at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. I grew up in Georgia until high school and then moved to Michigan where I attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for undergrad. As I grew up dancing and was a cheerleader in high school, I was fortunate to continue my passion as a member of the U of M All-Girl Competitive Cheerleading team as Vice President. After college, I took a couple of gap years working in Dermatology as a medical assistant and scribe before getting accepted to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. In my free time, I love playing with my dog, Luna Rae, and taking her on walks. Fun fact- I entered her into a dog fashion show last year and she won first place! I am so excited to be a mentor for this program and help you along your medical journey. It is a long and incredibly rewarding path that can become stressful at times. The advice I would give someone beginning their journey would be to prioritize your mental health and don’t forget to take time for yourself! Surround yourself with a positive group of friends who will uplift you when times get tough. You got this!
Annie Phan - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Greetings! My name is Annie Phan, and I am excited to meet you all! I am a first-year Osteopathic medical student at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University. I am from Orange County, California, and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. After graduating, I worked as a Diabetes Health Coach and a Medical Assistant in various specialties, including OB/GYN, ENT, and General Surgery. I moved to Arizona two years ago for the Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences program. My hobbies include weightlifting, hiking, and tennis. Fun facts about me are that I am trilingual in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and have the sweetest but brattiest mutt named Adora. I am grateful for what ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University has offered to me as a student in preparation for becoming a future physician. I cannot wait to share my experiences with you!
Serene Puri - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
My name is Serene Puri, I am a rising 2nd year medical student at AZCOM! I grew up in LA, but have been living in the Phoenix area for over 10 years. I graduated with a B.S. in Human Nutrition from Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University and now have aspirations of being a Pediatrician. Prior to coming to medical school, I worked as a middle school teacher in Phoenix and it was one of the highlights of my life so far. Outside of the many hours I spend studying and learning medicine, my biggest passion is dance! I am a classically trained Indian dancer in a style called Kathak. I love practicing and teaching dance classes. I also love to cook, crochet, and spend time with my family. I am so excited to be mentoring for this summer program and can’t wait for the memories we will make!
Ellen Raun - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi everyone! I am just now finishing my first year as a medical student in AZCOM. I am from Phoenix, Arizona. I actually participated in this same program when I was in high school, so I am super excited to be back! I went to ASU and majored in both biology and data science. I took a gap year and worked as a medical assistant at a pediatric clinic. In my free time, I like to crochet, play tennis, and go on hikes with my dog! One piece of advice that I have is to keep an open mind and enjoy the moment! Don’t forget to spend time to do the things that you like!
Margaux Sarno - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi everyone! My name is Margaux Sarno and I am a first-year dental student here at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ University College of Dental Medicine. I grew up in Prescott, Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University where I received my bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science, minors in Chemistry and Psychology. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and two dogs Koa and Kio. I also enjoy spending time outside going hiking, playing pickleball, volleyball, and going to the lake! I am so excited to be a part of this program in helping high school students find their interest in medicine and guide them along their lifelong journey into healthcare. A piece of advice that I could give, is don’t give up! The journey is long and hard, and there will be many challenges along the way, but it is so worth it in the end!
