A Summer of Hands-On Learning

This summer marked the launch of Memorial Health System’s first 10-week Multi-Skilled Technician (MST) program, providing a unique opportunity for students interested in healthcare to gain invaluable experience. The program welcomed 10 enthusiastic students who spent their time immersed in various clinical settings, offering them a front-row seat to the realities of healthcare. For two of these participants, Stokley and Mary, the summer was filled with learning, growth, and the discovery of their future careers.

Diverse Experiences Across Specialties

Stokley and Mary, like the other MSTs, had the chance to work in different clinics aligned with their interests. Stokley, a biochemistry student at the University of Mississippi on a pre-med track, spent his summer with the orthopedic surgeons in Biloxi. Working closely with Dr. Arthur Black and Dr. Dudley Burwell, he gained insight into the world of joint replacements and orthopedic care. “I came in knowing nothing, and by the end, they really trusted me to do a lot of things on my own. It was great to feel like I could actually make a difference,” Stokley shared.

Mary, who is enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, worked in a family practice clinic in Ocean Springs. Her experience was equally enriching. “I was able to put the basic skills I learned in school to use, especially foundational things like communication and professionalism,” Mary explained. She also found comfort in the supportive environment, where staff members were always ready to help. “I even had patients who specifically requested me to draw their blood because they didn’t even feel it!”

Pathways to Future Careers

Both Stokley and Mary discovered the MST program through connections within the health system—Stokley through a previous shadowing experience and Mary through her mother, a nurse coordinator. For Mary, the summer solidified her decision to continue her nursing education. “This experience has definitely helped me. I worked alongside an LPN, and seeing her in action made me more confident in my decision to pursue this path,” she noted.

Stokley, on the other hand, saw the summer as a crucial step towards medical school. “There’s so much behind the scenes that you don’t see as a patient. They exposed me to a lot,” he said.

Building Strong Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program for both students was the relationships they built with the healthcare professionals who mentored them. Mary expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from the clinic staff, including LPN Sam, Medical Assistant Kim, and MST Ramona, who helped her become comfortable with patient care tasks. She is also grateful for the guidance she received from Lisa, the nurse coordinator.

Stokley also highlighted the invaluable guidance he received from the orthopedic team and expressed thanks to everyone who made his experience possible, including Jeff, who helped him navigate the complexities of working in a clinic. He adds, “I want to thank Dr. Black and Dr. Burwell, Nurse Practitioner Kelly, MSTs Katrina, Courtney and Hidasha, Physician Assistant Andrew, NPs Patrician and Mary, MSTs Brooklynn and Meagan, Niki and the office staff, the summer MST program coordinator Lisa as well as Marcus for helping with the clinic placements!”  

A Program with a Promising Future

Stokley and Mary both wholeheartedly recommend it to other students. “You can learn all you want from a textbook, but there’s no better way to see if this is the right career for you than by doing it yourself,” Stokley emphasized. Mary agreed, adding, “This program allowed me to truly feel like a part of the medical field, and I would 100% recommend it to anyone pursuing a healthcare career.”

With its successful first year, Memorial Health System’s MST summer program is poised to become a cornerstone for students seeking to explore and solidify their futures in healthcare. If you are interested in learning more, email Clinical Director of Physicians Clinics Kristian Spear.