Inspiring the Next Generation
Bryanna Williams knew from a young age she wanted to go into healthcare after her grandfather was hospitalized with pneumonia and eventually passed away. That experience served as a catalyst and an inspiration for her to begin her healthcare career journey, which started with a pathway program at MAHEC.
Bryanna was in the sixth grade when she participated in MAHEC's Health Careers Summer Camp for middle school students. Over the next few years, her involvement in our pathway programs continued to include the MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program (MMMP) and the Future Leaders in Healthcare Conference in high school, as well as a summer internship with the Western North Carolina Healthcare Experience and Rural Training (WNC HEART) program in college.
She then became a certified nursing assistant and worked in nursing homes and home health care. Once again, she joined a MAHEC pathway program—this time as an employee—participating in an initiative that helps CNAs become certified medical assistants. She applied and became MAHEC’s first CMA Pathways graduate working at MAHEC Ob/Gyn Specialists.
“MAHEC has been such a special part of my career journey.”
Today, Bryanna is a student at Emory University School of Medicine, in the physician assistant program (ranked fifth in the nation). “I’m living my childhood dreams!” she says.
Since its inception, MAHEC's Center for Health Professions Education has seen 6,332 youth participants (ages 14 to 18) in its pathway programs. Last year, 13 counties were represented by students participating in these programs throughout WNC.
A number of MAHEC pathway programs are available to young people who are interested in pursuing health careers. These include the Passport Program, Health Careers Academy, Health Careers Education Awareness Conference, Project PROMISE and its annual summer camp, MMMP, as well as multiple undergraduate student internships and a Pre-Med Track Program.
MAHEC is dedicated to inspiring young people to explore healthcare careers as early as middle school, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds or rural areas. With a gift to the MAHEC Annual Fund, you can support our region’s youth with hands-on medical experiences, mentorship, internships, and classes—empowering the next generation to become healthcare professionals who serve their communities.
