Health Careers Institute - IL
A free educational opportunity for high school students, held in Downers Grove, IL.
The Health Careers Institute for high school students at the Midwestern University, Downers Grove campus is a free educational opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to explore a variety of health professions.
Twenty-five high school juniors and seniors will be selected through an application process. Application information for 2025 will be posted soon.
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Resources for Attendees
Our Program
Program Introduction
The Health Careers Institute at Midwestern University provides interactive workshops in a variety of healthcare fields. Students can learn from mentors about the various career paths available and how our university aims to prepare its undergraduates.
Additional Workshop Information
Interactive Workshops
The hands-on interactive workshops include:
- Human Anatomy
- Dental Simulation
- Osteopathic Medicine Hands-On Skills
- Vital Signs & Patient Physical Exams
- Physical Therapy in Motion
- Optometry: Envisions
- The Many Roles of the Pharmacist
- Occupational Therapy: Skills for the Job of Living
- Plus more exciting experiences!
Learn more about Midwestern University
Midwestern University is your gateway to a comprehensive healthcare education.
Meet the 2024 Mentors
Adebowale "Dami" Adedeji - Student Dentist, Class of 2027
My name is Dami and I’m a 1st year dental student. I’m happy to start my summer hanging out with everyone and sharing this experience together. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to purchase an electric guitar and learn a few chords. I need to be held accountable so check back with me in December!
Alice Li - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hello! My name is Alice, and I’m a rising second year student at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. I’m from Jacksonville, Florida, and I graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with a B.S. in applied physiology and kinesiology. During my gap years before medical school, I worked in the hospital as an EKG tech while also doing research for lupus. I love playing tennis, cooking, traveling, and trying new food. The journey to medicine is undoubtedly arduous, filled with ups and downs. My biggest advice is to not only celebrate the accomplishments but also embrace the setbacks. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of setbacks, treat them as opportunities to learn and self-reflect.
Ava DiGirolamo - Student Doctor, Class of 2026
Hi everyone! My name is Ava DiGirolamo, and I am a second-year medical student at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. I grew up right here in the western suburbs of Chicago, and I am incredibly excited to be back here for my medical education after attending college at Tulane University in New Orleans. I received my Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and I was captain of our dance team, Shockwave. I absolutely love dancing, crocheting, traveling, and spending time with my cats (and friends). I am currently undecided about what specialty I will be going into as I have a diverse range of interests, but some of my top contenders right now are surgery, OBGYN, psychiatry, and emergency medicine! I am incredibly passionate about health equity and healthcare disparities, and I hope to make medical education more accessible and achievable for students. I was so impressed with last year's HCI students that I had to come back as a senior mentor this year to continue working with the amazing high school students in the area! A quick note to our participants: keep pursuing your passions, working for your goals, and remaining true to yourself. This will put you in the best position to be successful in your future careers as well as in life.
Brenna Thibodeau - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
My name is Brenna Thibodeau and I am a first-year medical student at CCOM. I went to The University at Albany in New York and got a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I then took a few years off and worked in a hospital and a doctor's office while applying. I got my Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences here at Midwestern University and graduated in 2023. Even though I do not have a specialty in mind, I am excited to start rotations during my third year and to explore what medicine has to offer. My advice is to get involved in research during college because that will set you up for your applications to medical school and make you competitive.
Caitlin Copa - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi everyone. My name is Caitlin and I am about to enter my second year of medical school. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2019 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Neuroscience. I was not pre-med, so I used four “gap years” to decide what I wanted my path to be. During that time, I worked as a medical scribe in the emergency department, a medical assistant at a pain and addiction clinic, a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic, and I did clinical neuro-oncology research. My advice would be to not compare your path to others. There are so many ways to find your passion, and no one way is right. Be authentic to yourself and your interests and let that lead the way.
Diem Tran - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi! My name is Diem Tran, and I just completed my first year of dental school at Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois. I grew up in Fort Worth, TX along with my three siblings. I stayed close to home throughout my undergraduate career and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. I studied in Denver, CO for a year where I received a master’s degree in biomedical sciences at Regis University. While at Midwestern, I’ve been exposed to many aspects of dentistry including full mouth rehabilitations, 20-unit veneer restorations, traveling dentistry for wisdom teeth extractions using moderate intravenous sedation, and much more! I love riding my bike on scenic trails, rock climbing, and cozying up with a good book on my Kindle. I’m excited to be working with our program’s participants this year and sharing my experiences! My best advice is to surround yourself with a strong support system, allow yourself to make mistakes, and never give up on your dreams even when life tries to sway you!
Julia Kavanagh - Student Doctor, Class of 2026
My name is Julia, and I am a rising second-year student at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. I am originally from Pelham, NY, a small town just above New York City. I graduated from Bates College in 2018, with a degree in biology, a minor in anthropology, and a concentration in public health. After graduation, I worked as a pediatric oncology clinical research coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Outside of school, I love to play hockey, play board games, hike, and bake. I am working on my sourdough! My biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself – pursue your dreams, but embrace your mistakes and focus on progress rather than perfection.
Justin Chen - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hey everyone! My name is Justin, and I am an incoming second-year medical student at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University. I am originally from California, graduating from UC Riverside with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During my gap years, I worked as a behavioral technician, an emergency department technician, and held a high leadership position in a hospital volunteer organization. My medical interests lie in radiology as I love the nuances of medical imaging and the constant updates in new technology. In high school, I ran cross country and track, and I currently play on a volleyball and basketball intramural team. Some other hobbies include playing video games, photography, and video editing. My biggest piece of advice would be to stay true to yourself. Never compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own timeline, so your journey may not look like someone else’s. Give as much to yourself as you give to others. Your passion will always shine through!
Kelly Konicek - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hello! My name is Kelly Konicek, and I will be a second-year medical student at CCOM starting in the fall. I am from a western Chicago suburb called Geneva. I graduated from Purdue University in 2022 with degrees in Biology and Spanish. During my gap year before medical school, I worked as a physical therapy aide at a chiropractic clinic. This break also gave me time to train for a marathon with my dad, travel, and spend quality time with my five nieces! Outside of school, I love to hang out with my family and friends, playing board games like Settlers of Catan or card games, especially euchre. A great stress reliever has been staying active by working out, running, walking, or hiking. The advice that I always come back to when I am feeling beat down is remembering not to take life too seriously, and everything happens for a reason.
Kelly McGowen - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hello everyone! My name is Kelly McGowen, and I am almost done with my first year of medical school here at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am from Wheaton, Illinois, and I graduated from DePaul University in November of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with a concentration in medicine and health. I took one gap year before starting medical school, and I spent that time working as an endoscopy technician for a gastroenterology procedure center. Outside of school, I love exploring the city of Chicago, traveling, trying new restaurants, roaming Target, and spending time with my family and dog. I am also very passionate about mental health care, education, and awareness. My advice to anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare is to believe in yourself, remain true to yourself, and trust the process. Every journey to becoming a healthcare professional looks different, so embrace the unique set of skills that you have and will contribute! I am so excited to be a mentor this year, and I cannot wait to work with all our participants soon!
Mallory Suhling - Student Doctor, Class of 2024
Hi! My name is Mallory Suhling. I am a fourth-year student at CCOM who will be graduating this May. I was raised in Gurnee, IL, known for Six Flags Great America. I received a biology degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2017. Before medical school, I worked as a clinical research coordinator for an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. I also conducted dermatology research at NorthShore University HealthSystem during the summer between my first and second year of school. Outside of medicine, I enjoy anything related to Harry Potter, skincare, Target runs, animals, outdoor activities, travel, and being with my family. My advice is to always wear sunscreen, even when it is cloudy, and prioritize self-care. If you have any questions about research or dermatology, do not hesitate to ask me!
Nick Kathrein - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hey everyone! My name is Nick Kathrein and I am a rising second-year medical student here at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago and have returned home for my medical education. I spent my undergraduate years at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL earning my bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology. I took a gap year at Duke University School of Medicine to earn my master’s in biomedical sciences, as well as another year working in research in anesthesiology to gain clinical experience. When I'm not studying, I love to cook and bake for both myself and my friends. I also always find some time to watch some Premier League soccer most weekends. My interests for a future career path include anesthesiology and critical care medicine. I am very excited to share my path to medicine with all of you and answer any questions you have about the process of getting to medical school or whatever health profession interests you. No matter what path you choose, my advice is that you should always find time to prioritize yourself! Graduate medical education is a long process and it is incredibly important to be kind to yourself along the way. I’m looking forward to meeting you all this summer!
Ria Tomar - Student Doctor, Class of 2027
Hi everyone! My name is Ria Tomar and I just finished my first year of medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. I grew up in Fremont, CA and moved to Chicago after graduating college in 2021. I have a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University. Before starting medical school, I worked as a healthcare consultant and as a data research analyst in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. I am interested in general surgery and internal medicine. I enjoy dancing, traveling, and reading in my free time! I am extremely passionate about advocacy and hope to provide resources to those around me, whether it be my patients, friends, or family. My biggest piece of advice is to try new things, keep an open mind, and be fearless in all aspects of your life. I am excited to meet you all!
Sahar Kazmi - Student Dentist, Class of 2027
I’m Sahar, a dental student from Houston, Texas. I enjoy kickboxing, baking, and shopping. When I’m not in the library or sim lab, you can find me exploring new recipes in the kitchen, hitting the kickboxing gym, or trying out local restaurants. I believe in the power of balance and strive to maintain a healthy mix of academic rigor and personal interests in my life.
Tiffany Thompson - Student Doctor, Class of 2026
Hi! I am a current medical student at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and I will be starting my second year in the fall. I graduated from Augustana College in December 2020, majoring in neuroscience with a focus on pre-medicine and a minor in philosophy. For the vast majority of my undergraduate studies, I worked as a full-time medical scribe in the emergency room. I also worked as a medical assistant in dermatology and Mohs surgery, as well as in a vein and vascular center, between finishing undergraduate studies and starting medical school. Besides grinding away at studying, I love riding motorcycles, bicycle rides, and spending countless hours on TikTok. My advice is to know that the path of medicine is not linear and to take each twist and turn as they come. Each journey future healthcare professionals take will look different, and do not compare your path to someone else. You are in this position for a reason — remember that when it feels like the opposite.
