Ozarks Healthcare M*A*S*H Camp Inspires Future Healthcare Leaders as School Year Begins

As students across the region head back to school, Ozarks Healthcare is celebrating the success of its annual M*A*S*H (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp, which this year brought together over 150 students for hands-on learning in the world of healthcare.

The multi-day camp, designed for middle and high school students, gave participants a behind-the-scenes look at careers in medicine through interactive activities and real-world simulations. Students practiced suturing, learned about medical imaging, explored surgical techniques, and gained insight into a variety of healthcare professions from Ozarks Healthcare staff and providers.

“M*A*S*H Camp is a perfect way to kick off the school year,” Sammi Radosevich, Career Pathways Coordinator, said. “It encourages curiosity, builds skills, and inspires students to think about their future in healthcare, all while having fun.”

The week also included spirited rounds of “Healthcare Olympics,” a case study competition, and a doctors’ panel featuring Ozarks Healthcare specialty and family medicine physicians, where students heard inspiring stories about each doctor’s journey into medicine.

M*A*S*H Camp is made possible in part through support from the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation, which helps fund educational programs that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“Investments in these programs not only inspire local students to explore healthcare careers, but also strengthen the future workforce for our region, creating a direct link between today’s donations and tomorrow’s caregivers,” Josh Reeves, Vice President of Development and Advocacy at Ozarks Healthcare, said.

Community members can help sustain and expand opportunities like M*A*S*H Camp by making a gift to the Foundation at www.ozarkshealthcare.com.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Students at Ozarks Healthcare’s M*A*S*H Camp perform a dissection of a sheep heart.

Students watch as Dr. Troy Caron, Ozarks Healthcare Orthopedics and Spine, explains surgical techniques used during spinal surgery. 

Over 150 students attended Ozarks Healthcare’s M*A*S*H Camp this year.