Academy ambassadors from the Academy of Public Service hosted a panel of health care speakers on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 8 a.m. in which three health care professionals from Seton Hospital spoke to students about their careers. Students had the opportunity to learn more about the field, while also exploring the many different aspects of the job.

“I hope that they would understand their options in the health care field,” Iris Kim ‘18, one of the organizers of the panel, said. “They would see what these professionals do and gain an interest and maybe find out what they want to do in the future.”

The session began with all three professionals introducing themselves and explaining their role in the field, as well as how they dealt with difficult ethical decisions. Afterwards, the floor was opened up for questions from students and teachers alike. A variety of topics were covered, ranging from how to deal with legal complications, to how those who were underinsured or uninsured received health care. Difficult aspects of the job were discussed, as well as the joys of helping others.

“I want to give people that might have an interest in it a perspective of both the good and bad,” Dr. Roger Parthasarathy said. “Nothing is perfect and no job is perfect, so I think it’s important to help inform the young people, they’re the future.”

While Dr. Parthasarathy and Dr. Jinnie Bruce found their passion for health care early on in life, Health Equity Operations Director Danielle Owens discovered her interest in the field well after college. Director Owens earned her first master’s degree in Business Administration, then in Physical Therapy later.

“Having had two careers, I’ve found the medical career so fulfilling, because every day you have the chance to make a difference,” Director Owens said.

The effects of cultural differences were brought up, along with how the decision-making process changed because of it. Though books in the field give instructions for what decisions to make under certain circumstances, a clear pathway isn’t always provided, and the books aren’t always correct.

“Much of the medicine is in the grays,” Dr. Parthasarathy said. “Not much is black and white.”

Having thoroughly explored the ups and downs of the medical field, students left with a much better idea of what the future held for them. From the very details of dealing with insurance companies to the winding educational journey it took to become a health care professional, nearly every topic was touched upon.

“There are so many different elements of medical professions that I really want high school students to know,” Director Owens said. “They can be so rewarding and allow you to make a difference with your life, all kinds of things that keep your life joyful.”