Teaching Today, Inspiring Tomorrow

By Cheryl Woodward, MBA, AT, public relations and community relations, Upper Valley Medical Center and Miami Valley Hospital North

Hands-on learning and mentorship took center stage during the Perry Outreach Program at Miami Valley Hospital South. Premier Health orthopaedic surgeons, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine medical students and area high school students came together to explore careers in orthopaedic medicine and engineering.

The free, one-day program introduced 40 high school juniors and seniors to orthopaedic surgery and engineering through interactive workshops. Students practiced mock orthopaedic procedures, learned basic surgical techniques and participated in biomechanics activities that highlighted the connection between engineering and patient care.

Mentorship was woven throughout the experience. Fifteen first- and second-year medical students from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine completed specialized training through The Perry Initiative before serving as instructors and mentors for the high school participants.

Premier Health orthopaedic physicians provided an additional layer of mentorship by giving medical students the opportunity to learn directly from practicing surgeons, gain early exposure to the specialty and strengthen their teaching, communication and leadership skills.

The program also seeks to increase awareness of orthopaedic surgery and engineering among students from groups historically underrepresented in those fields. Through early exposure, hands-on learning and access to mentors, participants were encouraged to envision themselves in careers they may not have previously considered.

“Orthopaedic surgery combines innovation, engineering and patient care in a unique way,” said Norah Foster, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with Premier Health. “By giving students hands-on experiences and connecting them with physicians, medical students and mentors, we're helping them see what's possible for their future.”

Alli Grunkemeyer, program manager for The Perry Initiative, said the program helps make orthopaedic surgery and engineering more accessible to students. Through hands-on activities and mentorship, high school students explore STEM careers while medical students gain early exposure to orthopaedic surgery and connect with professionals in the field.

The experience created a continuum of mentorship, with experienced orthopaedic physicians guiding medical students who, in turn, encouraged high school students to imagine their own futures in health care.

The program serves as a meaningful example of Premier Health's mission, “We Care. We Teach. We Innovate. We Serve.,” in action by fostering education, mentorship and opportunities for the next generation of health care professionals.

Back to the October 2026 Premier Pulse