Like Mother, Like Daughter: FirstHealth’s Job Shadowing Program Becomes a Family Affair

Gabrielle Donze discovered she wanted to go into health care during a high school field trip to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Now, at only 17, she is ready to explore the many options available to her in the medical field. Through FirstHealth's job shadowing program, she is able to observe professionals in both clinical and non-clinical positions, experiencing the fast-paced world of health care firsthand.

Discovering a Passion for Health Care

Though she was inspired to shadow after her field trip, it was not her first interaction with FirstHealth. Her mother, Kim Donze, N.P., is a provider at FirstHealth Family Medicine in Carthage. In a full circle moment, Gabrielle was able to shadow her mother and see what she does on a daily basis, and according to her, she absolutely loved learning from her mom.

"She was always genuine, diligent and made it a point to listen to her patients," she said. "Although she may forget the last place she left her phone, she can always remember one important anecdote about her patients to make them feel cared for. She taught me that time management will be important in this career field."

Kim was not surprised Gabrielle wanted to explore a career in the medical field, and she was overjoyed to have her shadow.

"With Gabrielle's willingness to help and compassion for others, I was not surprised she was interested in a career in health care," she said. "I'm always excited to share my profession with others and having my daughter shadow me was no exception. She can finally see what a day in the life of a primary care provider is all about."

Exploring Different Health Care Careers

In addition to shadowing her mom, Gabrielle has shadowed a surgical tech and learned about FirstHealth's operating room. She recounted that as a fascinating experience.

"I was fascinated about how in the OR some procedures have an option to use robots to assist in certain surgeries," she said. "I loved having the opportunity to compare the different work environments: hospital setting versus primary care setting."

Preparing for a Future in Medicine

Gabrielle is completely certain that health care is for her, but she wants to ensure she has explored all the vast options it has to offer. Shadowing at FirstHealth has been the perfect opportunity to learn more.

"I am highly interested in a career in health care," she said. "I've thrived working with others as a team and I believe the medical field is a perfect fit for me. I enjoy caring for people and making them feel seen. I want the best for everyone and if I could, I would make sure everyone in this world was guaranteed happiness and health."

FirstHealth's Job Shadowing Program

FirstHealth's job shadowing program gives students and community members the opportunity to learn more about different career paths, ask questions and gain insight into daily responsibilities, teamwork and patient interaction. Shadowing is one of the many offerings to students at FirstHealth, as it hopes to educate and grow the next generation of the health care workforce. FirstHealth also hopes to invest in their success, with student aid and financial incentives offered through the FirstFutures program.

"I think the shadowing program at FirstHealth is invaluable," said Kim. "It really gives kids the ability to experience the many different roles within our health care system and helps them decide if they could find purpose in pursuing a job in health care."

How to Apply to the FirstHealth Job Shadowing Program

FirstHealth looks forward to supporting you as you explore your path in health care. If you are motivated, curious and eager to learn, we invite you to apply. Please complete an application by visiting https://talent.firsthealth.org/career-development or contact [email protected].