Members of ICOM’s American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) Chapter recently had an opportunity to mentor young women considering careers in medicine. 

The medical students mentored eight high school students from Centennial High School’s “Girls in STEM” program, which aims to close the gender gap in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

ICOM’s future physicians organized a tour of Idaho’s first medical school, a demonstration of the College’s high-fidelity simulation manikins, and a hands-on activity utilizing arterial puncture arm task trainers. Rounding out this intimate teaching experience, ICOM medical students guided the teenagers through phlebotomy techniques. 

“One of ICOM AMWA’s goals for the year was to get more involved in our community’s youth STEM programs and this event was a perfect way to start,” said Kendall Fagan, a second-year medical student and President of ICOM AMWA. “All of us found it to be such a fun and rewarding way to connect with local young women and spark interest and passion in all things STEM — especially medicine. We can’t wait to host similar activities and outreach programs like this in the future.”

Women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce, and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college, according to the National Girls Collaborative Project. Early exposure to high-quality and relevant STEM experiences can motivate girls and young women in a positive way, and create a significant impact.

“By partnering with ICOM AMWA, it gave our guests the ability to connect with medical students and opened their eyes to many possibilities in the pursuit of a career in STEM,” said Ellie Matthews, ICOM Admission Recruiter. “It’s important that we reach the next generation of doctors early in their career paths, and this event provided us an opportunity to do that. Our medical students love giving back and sharing their experiences.”