Kaiser Permanente plants seeds for future doctors

LANCASTER – Forty-five students from Piute Middle School in Lancaster began their journey into the medical field recently by taking their oath for Kaiser Permanente’s Hippocrates Circle.

The program first took root in San Diego when physician Ricardo Sistos, MD, and his colleagues began mentoring 30 students. The goal of the circle is to encourage minority students to set academic goals. The program aims to inspire the middle school students to believe that they, too, can have a career in medicine.

The Piute students on Aug. 24 listened as eight physicians spoke candidly about their fears, struggles, challenges, and obstacles they overcame to become successful in the medical field.

The event was part of a series of activities designed to help students visualize themselves preparing for medical school.

The next activity, scheduled for Sept. 28, is a presentation on admissions and financial aid from counselors from Antelope Valley College, Antelope Valley Union High School District, California State University Bakersfield, and University of Antelope Valley. Students will also observe a dissection, receive CPR training, and tour Kaiser Permanente’s Antelope Valley Medical offices in October and November.

On Nov. 16, students, parents, physicians, teachers, and school officials will gather for a graduation ceremony to celebrate completion of the Hippocrates Circle experience.

[Information via news release from Kaiser Permanente.]

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