Lakeland Regional launches new immersive program for students

LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland Regional Health is taking action to prepare and inspire the next generation of medical professionals. 

The hospital has launched its new summer program, Discover, which provides teens in Polk County the opportunity to explore their medical passions. For Makayla Ficquett, the Discover program reinforces a dream she’s had for years.

“I always knew I wanted to do surgical, but I didn’t know what,” Ficquett said. “I thought neuro would be cool, but my hands aren’t as steady, so I thought orthopedic would be something to definitely be interested in, as it is a more hands-on experience.”

The 17-year-old student says she started to develop a passion for orthopedics in middle school, but until now, she hadn’t realized how much preparation is necessary.

“It’s definitely eye-opening to see all the sterilizing processing that goes on behind the scenes, and that you don’t really think about it when everyone goes into surgery or any procedures you would possibly have during medical,” she said.

As for 18-year-old Lillian Miranda, the immersive experience is opening her eyes to different pathways she could take.

“I really want to be a registered nurse, but it has me considering a lot — if I want to continue doing that field or maybe just like study it, and if I want to continue something else that I really want to do, then I could probably stay in school and learn more,” she said.

Along with visiting different departments in the hospital, the free four-week program also includes peer mentoring, lectures from medical professionals, and a look into the patient journey.

“Keeping students coming back to our community to then work in our community, especially with growing population rates, programs like this are so important,” Springfield said.

Thanks to the program, Ficquett says she’s even more certain that a career in medicine is the right path for her.

“It’s something I definitely want to do when I grow up,” she said — closing in on making her dream a reality.

Applications for next year’s Discover program will open next spring. The hospital says it will notify schools throughout the county when it’s time to apply.