Independence Middle School welcomed four distinguished healthcare professionals who shared their expertise and career paths with eighth-grade students during an engaging speaker series on January 24. Students had the opportunity to learn firsthand about various medical careers and the journeys that led these professionals to their chosen fields.
The featured speakers from the Cleveland Clinic included Kate Landfried from medical laboratory sciences, Justin Hoffman representing respiratory therapy, Wondra Spencer discussing medical coding, and Rhonda Brode sharing her experiences in nursing. Each professional conducted four consecutive presentations to small groups of approximately 20 students, ensuring personalized interaction and meaningful discussions.
"We were thrilled to host these healthcare professionals who took time from their busy schedules to inspire our students," said Principal Jamie Vanek. "By keeping the groups small, we created an environment where students could ask questions and truly engage with these experienced professionals."
The interactive sessions gave students valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities within healthcare. Each speaker shared their unique educational and professional journey, providing students with real-world perspectives on what it takes to succeed in the medical field.
“I enjoyed presenting the Health Information Management career information to the students,” said Wondra Spencer, MPH, BSHIM, RHIT, outpatient coding supervisor for the Cleveland Clinic. “The history teacher and student teachers were so helpful and welcoming. The students were so attentive.”
The school's commitment to bringing industry professionals into the classroom demonstrates its dedication to helping students make informed decisions about their future careers. Through the district’s partnership with the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center and events like this speaker series, Independence Middle School continues to bridge the gap between education and professional practice, giving students early exposure to potential career paths in healthcare.
