Ozarks Healthcare M*A*S*H Camp Introduces Students to the Many Paths of Healthcare

From the operating room to emergency services, radiology to respiratory therapy, students from across the region got a hands-on look at the many career opportunities available in healthcare during Ozarks Healthcare's 2026 M*A*S*H Camp.

The Medical Academy of Science and Health (M*A*S*H) Camp served 142 students in grades 5 through 12 this year, bringing together students from 27 schools for five days of hands-on learning, activities, and simulations. More than 31 healthcare professionals and volunteers from more than 15 departments helped make the experience possible.

M*A*S*H Camp is designed to introduce students to real healthcare careers through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions with local healthcare professionals. Throughout the camp, students explored areas including anatomy and physiology, the operating room, orthopedics, anesthesiology, EMS and air evacuation, obstetrics, nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, radiology and imaging, physical therapy, and more.

The 2026 camp included multiple activities and simulations, giving students opportunities to experience healthcare beyond the traditional classroom.

"Investing in students is an investment in the future of healthcare and the future of our communities," Terence Farrell, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. "M*A*S*H Camp gives young people an opportunity to see firsthand the many career paths available in healthcare and to meet the people who make a difference in patients' lives every day. We are proud to help students explore these opportunities and hope many of them will one day choose to build their careers and lives right here in our region."

The experience also appears to be making an impact on students' perceptions of healthcare careers. Following camp, 94% of students reported having more interest in healthcare careers. For many students, the camp offered a first look at career opportunities they may not have previously considered.

"I never knew so many careers existed in healthcare," one camper shared.

Another student said, "This camp showed me healthcare isn't just a job, it's a way to help others."

"M*A*S*H Camp is about more than introducing students to healthcare careers—it's about giving them experiences that can help shape their future," Josh Reeves, Ozarks Healthcare Vice President of Development and Advocacy, said. "When students can step into different departments, participate in hands-on activities, ask questions, and connect with healthcare professionals, they begin to see themselves in these roles. We're grateful to everyone who gives their time and expertise to make these experiences possible."

The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation is proud to support M*A*S*H Camp and help make these hands-on learning opportunities possible for students throughout the region. By investing in programs that expose young people to healthcare careers, the Foundation is helping create opportunities for students to discover their passions while strengthening the future healthcare workforce.

The camp's broad representation of healthcare professionals also reinforces the many pathways available to students interested in healthcare. By interacting directly with professionals and participating in simulations and hands-on activities, students were able to see how different roles work together to care for patients.

M*A*S*H Camp is part of Ozarks Healthcare's ongoing commitment to education, career development, and strengthening local healthcare workforce pathways. By introducing students to healthcare careers at an early age, the program helps them begin exploring opportunities that could lead to rewarding careers close to home.

For more information about M*A*S*H Camp and career opportunities at Ozarks Healthcare, visit 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.