Aiden Kennedy faced his last semester of high school at Perham with a fairly open schedule. He had enough credits to graduate and two hours a day where he could do something else.

While meeting with his guidance counselor, she suggested that he consider job shadowing with Perham Health. She knew he was interested in healthcare and that Perham Health offered great opportunities to explore healthcare careers.

“I know that I want to go into healthcare, but I am unsure what to do. I figured job shadowing would be a good way to get a head start in figuring it out. It would help me better understand the entire healthcare field and help me get an idea of what I want to do after college,” said Aiden.

Aiden met Mikayla Geiser in the human resources department at Perham Health, and she tailored his schedule so that he could get experience in many different areas of health care. He spent two hours every day in various departments. Some weeks he was in a different department daily, while others, he might spend a few weeks. In total, he spent three months exploring the various healthcare fields.

Looking for a wide variety of experience, he shadowed in basically every area – imaging, lab, surgery, clinic, obstetrics, infusion, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, emergency department, cardiology, and paramedics.

“I worked as a fly on a wall. I sat back and took in everything the person I was following did. I got to see everything from family care and flu shots to surgeries. I worked with coordinators and directors to nurses and doctors,” he explained.

While shadowing in orthopedics, he watched a hip replacement on an older woman. “I got to watch the surgery of her bone cut off and then replaced with metal. Then, I followed her through recovery and into a regular hospital room. That’s where I got to talk to her about how orthopedic surgeon Dr. Todd Sekundiak turned her life around, allowing her to live without pain like she used to. It was amazing how she felt this surgery had saved her life,” remembered Aiden.

“Being in orthopedics piqued my interest. It was unbelievable how you could have your bones entirely exposed, and a few hours later, you’re up and moving around. I got a small glimpse into all of the things we humans can do with bones and joints to help the quality of life of someone. I would like to see more orthopedic surgeries.”

While in radiology, a baby came that had fallen. “It was wild how, as soon as everyone heard what happened, they jumped into action and made sure everything went quickly to figure out what was needed to help this baby. It was inspiring to see how everyone came together to help a mother they didn’t even know and possibly save a baby’s life,” he said.

He learned that being in a lab didn’t pique his interest. “They are an important part of the team and help figure out what is wrong with someone, but I learned I am more of a hands-on, fix-it person. The shadowing helped me to see that,” he said.

What he thought of the job shadowing

“It surpassed my expectations, as I got once-in-a-lifetime experiences and new information about schooling and healthcare. It helped me narrow my options while opening a few new ones I didn’t think about before,” Aiden said.

“Everyone was so friendly and welcoming it made it super easy to watch and fit in, and I got to see almost everything healthcare deals with. I learned so much, and I learned something new every day. It was interesting and informational, and Perham Health was extremely accommodating.”

What he liked about Perham Health

“I loved how it is such a community of people, not just a bunch of individuals. Everyone is happy and willing to help each other if needed, and they were always nice and enjoyable to be around,” Aiden said.

“Every staff member I worked with was incredible. They always made sure I could see what they were doing. Everyone took time to explain what they did and why they did it. This way, I knew everything happening and understood the treatments and procedures.”

His advice to other people thinking about shadowing

“I recommend it to anyone who wants to get some great experience and explore healthcare careers. Job shadowing is an excellent experience that anyone should get to do in whatever they want to do in life.

Will he work at Perham Health in the future?

“This helped me see what a great place Perham Health is to work. I would definitely consider working there after college. The community feeling of everyone being there for everyone else and helping whenever necessary, along with how friendly everyone is, made it feel like this was the best workplace.

About job shadowing at Perham Health

Perham Health proudly offers opportunities such as job shadowing, student opportunities, and internships as a guide to help you achieve your career goals. Apply for a tailored experience that fits your interests – clinical and non-clinical positions are available.

If you’re interested in job shadowing at Perham Health, learn more online at www.perhamhealth.org/careers/ or call 218-347-1311.

Perham Health Public Relations

About Perham Health 

Perham Health is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with three primary care clinics located, a 96-bed nursing home, home care agency, adult day services, memory care assisted living, and housing.  The medical staff consists of 25 physicians, a nurse midwife, 15advance practice clinicians, and three chiropractors. Visit perhamhealth.org to learn more.