Earlier this month, students from Byron High School were able to visit several different departments to see in person how health care is provided in a rural hospital.

The students, participants in our Rural Health Explorers Program (RHEP), took a field trip to KSB Hospital, where Northwest AHEC’s Teresa Strum and Melissa Rockwood led them on a series of facility tours.

The anti-gravity treadmill helps patients relearn how to walk and run by being weightless. In the photo, Sammy, a North Central physical therapy student, is leading the RHEP participant through balance exercises.

Students were also introduced to a NeuroCom, which tests balance. Teresa then led them on a tour of KSB’s lab and dietary departments, where they were able to ice sugar cookies.

The field trip ended with an overview of Building Facilities and learning about the Support Services pathway. The were introduced to all positions available in healthcare and how to keep the large hospital up and running!

Since the beginning of the fall semester, students in the program have been introduced to 25 different health professions. The program is provided through a grant received from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.