For young people considering a career in healthcare, the St. Francis Medical Explorer Post is a unique way to learn more. A new chapter kicks of activities for the 2017-18 year on Thursday, October 26, at 6:30 pm in the Jack Tidwell Lecture Hall in the Butler Pavilion. Meetings will take place once a month from October through April.
 
Space is limited and pre-registration required.  For more information or to pre-register, people can call 706.320.8060 or email [email protected]   The cost is $30, with students welcome to complete registration at the October 26th meeting with pre-registration in advance.
 
This Medical Explorers Post started in 1986, and is one of the oldest continuously operating medical exploring posts in the country. It’s is a fun, non-traditional educational program for students ages 15-20 trying to decide if a health care career might be in their future. Exploring exists to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by community and business leaders. By working together, these leaders help to equip young people with character, leadership and life skills that can be used both today and in their future careers.
 
Keith Higgins, RN, BSN, MBA, NEA-BC, is the Advisor for the St. Francis Medical Explorer Post. Higgins is a Patient Care Director at St. Francis, where he has served for the past three years. He is a seasoned healthcare and nursing leader with over 37 years of experience. Keith earned his B.S. degree in nursing at Jacksonville State University and his M.B.A. from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a certified nurse executive through American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a Fellow with The American College of Healthcare Executives.
 
“We have representatives from several departments that enjoy sharing not only their factual career advice with students, but their passion and dedication for their chosen profession as well,” Higgins said. “Students have the opportunity to interact with these real healthcare professionals who are providing patients with great care every day. We have great interaction during the department tours, with inquisitive questions from students and real-world answers from our expert staff. This type information is so valuable as students make decisions about health care careers.”
 
The St. Francis Medical Explorer Post was in the news earlier this year when the late Rex Milner, who led the Post for its first 28 years, was presented the 2017 William H. Spurgeon III Award. The William H. Spurgeon III Award is the highest National Exploring recognition for individuals and organizations contributing significant leadership to the Exploring program. This was the first time the award was presented within the Boy Scouts of America Chattahoochee Council which includes 15 counties in Georgia and Alabama.
 
Want to learn more? Click here to visit the national website on Exploring at Exploring.org or visit the St. Francis website page at https://www.mystfrancis.com/community/medical-explorer-post.