EASTON, MD
The severe shortage of health care professionals on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is no secret. At present, in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, there are hundreds of open positions in medicine, nursing and allied health sciences (such as laboratory, imaging, respiratory care, rehabilitation services, medical records, and more). And in 2028, the opening of the new University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center will likely increase the demand for healthcare workers.
Designed to address this ongoing demand, Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) is a program that introduces a variety of healthcare career possibilities to middle and high school students around the region. The idea is to assist local rural communities by building a pipeline of healthcare workers for the future.
Founded as a nonprofit initiative in 2023 by retired healthcare professionals Judi Gieske, MD, Ruth Ann Jones, EdD, MSN, RN, and Cynthia Watson, RN, ITCH offers presentations and hands-on activities provided by local healthcare professionals, many of whom are employed by University of Maryland Shore Regional Health or The Orthopedic Center. Through ITCH, students learn about a wide array of opportunities in the healthcare field –both in clinical roles and administrative/support roles — and what it takes to prepare for healthcare careers. ITCH is free to all students.
ITCH has provided programs at Easton Middle School, Building African American Minds (BAAM) and the Chesapeake YMCA. ITCH volunteers also have collaborated with Summer Career Enrichment Program (SCEP) for four weeks at Colonel Richardson High School providing the program to students from Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties. This fall, the program is being offered at BAAM and also in conjunction with Tilghman Area Youth Association (TAYA) two evenings a week at the St. Michaels Community Center.
“With early engagement and support from middle and high school counselors and career coaches, students will be better prepared as they transition from middle school to high school, choosing the right classes to help them meet their career goals,” said Watson.
This winter and spring, ITCH will offer the program on the third Thursday evening of each month at three UM Shore Regional Health System facilities – UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown and Easton, and UM Shore Regional Health at Dorchester. The June class will offer a tour of Chesapeake College Simulation Labs for anyone interested.
“Also, interested students will have the opportunity to be assigned a Career Buddy to mentor them throughout their journey,” said Ruth Ann Jones. “ITCH volunteers will track participating students throughout their high school trajectory to assess the program’s success in encouraging career choices in healthcare.”
ITCH leaders are very grateful for the enormous outpouring of support from healthcare workers and medical staff volunteers who have offered their time and expertise to explain their career fields and provide hands-on activities.
Dr. Gieske also credits Chesapeake College and David Timms, the College’s Associate Professor of Emergency Medical Services, Director of Simulation for Health Professions and Director of Health Professions for the informative tours of the state-of-the-art simulation labs and demonstrations of healthcare careers.
To learn more about ITCH and volunteer needs of the organization, visit itchmed.org or email itchmedteam@itchmed.org .
