Discovery Day event in Hamilton introduces high school students to health-care careers
More than 200 students from 47 high schools attended the event at McMaster University Medical Centre to explore fields from medicine to research.
HAMILTON — More than 200 high school students from across southern Ontario explored careers in health care and research at a Discovery Day event in Hamilton last month.
The one-day symposium was held Oct. 16 at Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster University Medical Centre, co-hosted by HHS and McMaster University.
“Our Discovery Day event helps students imagine what their future could look like by giving them a closer look at careers they’re interested in and introducing them to new possibilities they may not have considered,” said Donna Catherwood, HHS’ research program and events coordinator.
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Students from 47 high schools in Hamilton and southern Ontario attended, choosing from 13 interactive workshops led by health-care professionals, faculty and researchers.
Workshops covered topics including gel electrophoresis, human anatomy, dementia, nursing, casting broken bones, anesthesia, physiotherapy, health innovation, internal medicine, trauma care and co-designing health care with patient experiences.
At a gel electrophoresis workshop, students got a hands-on look at how scientists separate and study DNA in the lab.
HHS physiotherapist Vince Pacifici led a physio workshop that included a demonstration on wrapping an injured wrist.
At a “mini med school” workshop, third-year McMaster medical students Margret Lo and Leo Ologundudu demonstrated how to use a stethoscope and answered questions about getting into medical school.
“It’s been awesome experience,” said Porter Sconce, a student from St. Michael’s College in Toronto. “I’m learning so much about all the different pathways involved.”
Students questioned the medical students about required grades, study techniques and the role of research in health care.
“I’d like a better understanding of what research is and how to get into it,” said Jil Michael, from Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Simcoe.
Ologundudu explained that research is about asking questions and described different ways health research is conducted, including how discoveries in the lab can lead to new and better treatments for patients.
HHS is a top five Canadian research hospital where many staff are involved in research projects aimed at improving health.
The keynote address was delivered by McMaster MD/PhD candidate Alice Man, one of 15 medical students across Canada to receive a 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award.
Man encouraged students to be brave, try new things, create their own opportunities and work as team players. “Who you are today does not limit what you can accomplish in the future. Stay open to possibilities,” she said.
A panel discussion featured Hannah Bauer, an occupational therapist at HHS’ McMaster Children’s Hospital; Dr. Tania Kazi, a general surgery resident and clinician investigator program trainee; Johathan Ranisau, data science and engineering manager at HHS’ Centre for Data Science and Digital Health; and Zofia Sosnowski, innovation and commercialization specialist with HHS’ Research Development, Innovation and Partnerships.
Discovery Days are presented across Canada by the London-based Canadian Medical Hall of Fame to give students in Grades 10 to 12 a look at health-care careers.
“Inspiring the next generation of health professionals starts with showing young people what’s possible,” said Shannon Digby, executive director of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Digby added that 97 per cent of Discovery Days participants have reported the experience reinforced their interest in pursing a career in medicine and health sciences.
Catherwood said connecting with health-care professionals and university students gives participants a chance to explore career possibilities, ask questions and learn what it takes to pursue a field they’re passionate about.
With files from Hamilton Health Sciences
Amara Okafor covers health, medical research and public health in Canada for Novello Desserts.