Pathways For Kids- Kaiser, April 6th 2010

The field trip to Kaiser Permanente was attended by a physiology class from John O'Connell High School. Elizabeth Ferber and Eric Ortiz from KP were our sponsors.

The students were instructed to take notes during their visits to the various departments for discussion at the end of the tour. Eric Ortiz introduced himself to the group and described his position at Kaiser as well as a brief resume of his background in graphic design which enabled him to secure employment as a Senior Meeting Planner in Public Affairs Dept. at Kaiser.

The tour began in the Pathology Department. The students were met by the medical secretary Brannon who led a discussion of the meaning of Pathology (study of diseases). He explained details of lab they were about to visit and cautioned them of safety rules while visiting the lab. They were escorted to the 'Gross Room' where tissue samples, microscopes and computers were located. They met Nick, a certified pathology assistant who described his responsibilities.. The students were led to another lab where they met pathologist, Dr. Fulton who discussed ovary, brain and colon tissue. He displayed digitized images slides of pieces of tissues used for diagnosis of a patient.

Next stop was the Bilingual Spanish Clinic where they met the staff nurses who reviewed specialties. They also discussed their education levels, salary scale, employment incentives and work schedules. The final stop was the Optometry Department where they were guided through the department by an optician who provided a lecture on the various job opportunities and required education.

At the conclusion of the visit, the students assembled in a conference room and engaged in a discussion of their ideas and observations of the departments visited.