As a rural healthcare system here in South Monterey County, it is clear that our long-term strength depends on the next generation who will one day walk our halls as doctors, nurses, technologists, engineers and healthcare leaders.
With this in mind, this year, Mee Memorial proudly partnered with the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District to launch the Student Pathway for Healthcare Internship Program, part of the Golden State Pathway initiative. This hands-on program provides local students with a meaningful introduction to a variety of healthcare careers.
What makes this program so valuable is the heart behind it. When students step inside our hospital, they are not just observers; they are active participants, welcomed as valued members of our team. Students rotate through various departments, such as Nursing, Lab, Plant Ops, IT, Pharmacy, Health Information Management and Infection Prevention. They see firsthand how every person, every skill, and every role contributes to compassionate, high-quality care, and they have the opportunity to imagine themselves in each of these roles.
In a rural hospital, teamwork is everything. It takes a diverse group of dedicated people to keep a community healthy, from clinical experts at a patient’s bedside to the departments and support staff who make their work possible. By inviting students into these spaces, we are opening doors many of them have never walked through before.
The impact is already evident. Students experience new knowledge, confidence and a sense of belonging. They begin to see themselves not just as students, but as future professionals — capable, valued and welcome in healthcare. Many share that the experience has broadened their understanding of what’s possible and deepened their connection to their community.
Across rural America, hospitals can face significant staffing shortages. Programs like this one are part of the solution.
At Mee Memorial, we believe in the potential of our youth. Our aim is for every student to walk away from this experience knowing they belong and that their hometown healthcare system wants to support their growth. By empowering students who will lead and serve in the years ahead, we are ensuring a healthier, stronger and more resilient future for our entire community.
Rena Salamacha is CEO of Mee Memorial Healthcare System, based in King City.
