Midwestern University Student Mentors Pay It Forward at Health Careers Institute

Midwestern University hosted its annual Health Careers Institute (HCI) from July 14–18 on the Downers Grove Campus, welcoming 30 high school and college-bound students for a hands-on introduction to healthcare careers. Leading the way were 15 Midwestern student mentors from programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and more, many of whom once attended HCI or similar high school outreach programs themselves.

For Navi Singh (CDMI ’28), returning as a mentor was a full-circle moment. “I participated in HCI as a high schooler in Arizona,” he said. “That experience opened the door to dentistry and helped shape my path. Now I want to give back.”

Mentor Naomi Rajesh (CCOM ’28), a graduate of Downers Grove North High School, also found her calling through a Midwestern outreach event. “I remember being in their shoes,” she said. “I came here six years ago for a high school career day. Now I’m a second-year medical student making the dreams I had back then come true.”

Doctor of Physical Therapy students Lillian Goorsky and Rebecca Waden (D.P.T. ’27) also discovered Midwestern through a similar program. Lillian, a graduate of Plainfield South High School, and Rebecca, also a Downers Grove North High School alum, spoke to students about their journeys and the profession. “It reminds me of where I was at that age and how far I’ve come,” said Lillian. Rebecca added, “I love being able to help grow this profession and provide an example for future students.”

The high school participants explored career paths through clinical simulations, anatomy labs, and hands-on activities in fields like optometry, public health, pharmacy, dentistry, and speech-language pathology. They also benefited from panel discussions and one-on-one mentoring.

“I know I want to go into healthcare, but I’m just not sure what specialty,” said Michael Moch, a recent Oswego East High School graduate. “This program helped me explore options and get out of my comfort zone.” Lucinda Knight, a rising senior at Lisle High School, agreed: “I enjoyed learning about all the different specialties. I didn’t realize how much actually went into dentistry and what you can do with that career.”

Midwestern University’s Health Careers Institute will return next summer, continuing to offer high school students an inside look at the many paths within healthcare. Applications for the 2026 session will open shortly after the first of the year.