Area teenagers are getting a rare inside look at the world of medicine this summer, thanks to a collaborative program between Mercy Fort Smith and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). The two institutions have teamed up to offer the MASH program, giving local high school students two weeks of immersive learning about health care careers.
The partnership brings together the clinical expertise of Mercy Fort Smith and the academic resources of UAMS to create an experience designed to inspire the next generation of health care professionals right here in the River Valley. Participants spend their time exploring various fields within medicine and gaining firsthand exposure to the kinds of careers available in the health care industry.
The program arrives at a time when health care workforce development is a priority across Arkansas, making this kind of early engagement especially meaningful for students who might otherwise have limited access to professional mentorship in the medical field.
Adding to the good news on the health care education front, AHCA School of Nursing has announced an expansion into Fort Smith with a new local campus location. The move signals growing investment in nursing education in the region and is expected to help address the ongoing demand for qualified nurses in western Arkansas.
Together, these two initiatives reflect a community committed to building a stronger, more locally trained health care workforce — starting with the students who call Fort Smith home.
