Empowering the Future of Healthcare: The HCA Expo 2023

The second annual HCA Expo for high school juniors and seniors took place today, a momentous occasion that brought together nearly 50 enthusiastic students from local high schools. It was an unforgettable day at Citrus Hospital, where the promise of the healthcare sector unfolded before their eyes. In their unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing healthcare workforce shortage, HCA Florida Healthcare and Citrus Hospital provided these aspiring students with invaluable early exposure, training, and economic prospects.

At the forefront of this transformative initiative stands Sriya Chandrupatla, a senior in Lecanto High School’s International Baccalaureate program and the President of LHS HOSA. Her inspiration ignited a fervor among many students, setting the stage for an event that aimed to introduce young minds to the captivating and diverse opportunities within the healthcare industry.

The day unfolded with an immersive, behind-the-scenes tour of Citrus Hospital, offering the students a comprehensive look at various medical realms, from the operating room and cardiac catheterization lab to emergency services, rehab, diagnostic imaging, and plant operations. Beyond these conventional domains, the students also delved into essential departments and facility services.

A standout moment of the day came when the students ventured to the hospital’s helipad, where they engaged with the Bayflite helicopter and Medflight team. This experience shed light on their crucial role in providing medical transport services to the community, leaving an indelible mark on the students. They gained firsthand insights into the equipment and learned about the work of the flight crew, igniting their passion for the field of medical transport.

Throughout the day, the students were immersed in hands-on learning experiences that equipped them with a wealth of knowledge about the healthcare industry, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers. Lisa Nummi, the Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, expressed her delight at witnessing the students’ exposure to the healthcare industry, inspiring them to consider careers in this vital field. She firmly believes that such exposure will substantially contribute to the development of a well-educated and highly-skilled healthcare workforce in their community.

As a school board member dedicated to supporting Career and Technical Education opportunities, attending events like this fills me with immense pride. The hope is that the hands-on learning experiences provided during HCA Expo 2023 will empower students to make informed decisions about their future careers and, ultimately, make a meaningful impact on the development of a highly-skilled healthcare workforce in the community.

We extend our deepest appreciation to those who made this event possible, including Shaunda Burdette and the Citrus County Education Foundation, Vandana Chandrupatla, CCSB Director of Career & Technical and Adult Education Debra Stanley, Director of Special Academic Programs Darrick Buetter, CCSB PIO Lindsay Blair, Citrus Hospital Communication Director Katie Myers, LHS sponsor Ryan Campbell, CHS sponsor Britney Peterson, and CRHS sponsors Danielle Doherty-Koch & Anneliese Leazot, Citrus County Schools, Citrus Hospital CEO Lisa Nummi, and HCA Florida Healthcare Citrus Hospital. Without their unwavering support and dedication, this educational opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals would not have come to fruition. We eagerly anticipate witnessing these students evolve into future leaders in the healthcare industry, all thanks to the visionary initiative of Sriya Chandrupatla.

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