By Camryn Williamson, HS Health Science

Dodge City, KS –  Dodge City High School’s Health Science Pathway continues to prepare students for success beyond the classroom, and one recent graduate is a shining example of what the program can lead to. Since the 1980s, seniors in the Health Science Pathway at DCHS have had the opportunity to gain a real-world look into a variety of healthcare careers offered in our community. Now under the guidance of former DCHS Class of 2015 and Health Science Pathway Graduate Camryn Williamson, this Professional Learning Experience (PLE) course is a selective, senior-level capstone experience offered only to students who have excelled in the Health Science Pathway and demonstrated that they are serious about pursuing a career in healthcare. Students rotate through different clinical sites (one per week for 8 weeks), allowing them to experience a wide range of settings such as primary care medicine, pediatric therapy centers, the funeral home, emergency care, and chiropractic care. This rotation structure helps students explore their interests, build professional skills, and make connections with healthcare providers throughout the community. Students in this class must show academic responsibility, professionalism, and a strong commitment to learning. Because of the maturity and motivation required, the course allows students to gain meaningful, individualized experiences that prepare them for their future in the medical field. 

Last year, health science senior Maria Pablo-Pablo had the opportunity to shadow Glenna Williamson, a Pediatric Physical Therapist with both Arrowhead West Infant & Toddler Services and SKACD 613. Glenna travels to a variety of different homes and schools throughout southwest Kansas to give physical therapy services to kids 0-18. Even though Maria was only assigned to Glenna’s site for a week, she demonstrated exceptional curiosity and a strong natural ability for working with children with special needs. Because of Maria’s background and initiative, Glenna quickly recognized her potential in the healthcare field. After graduation in May, Maria’s experience didn’t end with the PLE course, as her hard work led to a meaningful opportunity. Thanks to her Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification, which she also earned through Dodge City High School’s dual credit program with the Dodge City Community College Nursing Department, she was able to begin working as a paraprofessional for one of the students Glenna serves at Northwest Elementary this school year while furthering her education at DCCC. Brandon Miller, the Principal at Northwest said, “Maria has positively impacted students' schooling at Northwest Elementary through her consistency, compassion, and high expectations. Her presence reflects what it truly means to serve students with heart, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to their success. She lifts others simply by the way she shows up each day and serves our school community with passion.”

Having Maria work with Dodge City Public Schools is especially meaningful because she has the chance to give back to the same community that supported her education and career development. “Being part of the Health Science classes has really helped me get a better understanding on what it truly means to be a part of this field… All of my health science classes really impacted my ability to know more about the health field and view it from different aspects. Thanks to the health science classes I’ve had, it has really helped me to be able to get the job I have today. I really enjoy working with Matthias because although I had a big passion for becoming a nurse, I’ve gained a new passion for working with kids in the special education program and PT area.” Seeing a former DCHS student return to serve young learners in our district highlights the importance of growing our own future professionals. The Health Science Pathway and PLE program not only prepare students for healthcare careers but also strengthen our hometown by keeping skilled, compassionate workers right here in Dodge City.

Maria’s journey shows how valuable real-world learning opportunities can be and highlights the impact of Dodge City High School’s Health Science Pathway in preparing students for healthcare careers. Her story is a reminder that when we invest in our students, they invest right back into our community—proving that our hometown truly helps our own.