Dozens of local high school students are thinking more seriously about a career in healthcare after attending Mini Medical University during a March weekend at UCF Lake Nona Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare. Mini Medical University brings together doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to answer students’ questions and provide a realistic view of various aspects of patient care using medical simulators. Students also learned about lifesaving techniques, including Stop The Bleed and Hands-Only CPR.

“Mini Medical University is one of the most impactful community engagement initiatives we offer,” said Wendy Brandon, chief executive officer, UCF Lake Nona Hospital. “These students already have a sincere interest and are giving real thought to a future in healthcare. One of the most important things we can do to impact the healthcare career pipeline is to fan the flames and inspire the providers of the future.”

Leaders, instructors and students from nearby Galen College of Nursing, an affiliate of HCA Florida Healthcare, provided information and insights about careers in nursing.

“The HCA Mini Medical University event gave the high school students more than exposure to healthcare. It gave them a glimpse of who they can become,” said Ruby Alvarez, Ph.D., MSN, RN, dean of Galen College’s Orlando campus. “When high school students see themselves in these roles early, they can begin to imagine how they can serve, lead and give back to the community. Investing in their curiosity for healthcare today builds a healthier tomorrow for all of us.”

After an interactive Town Hall-style question-and-answer session with doctors and nurses, students participated in hands-on learning activities and took a behind-the-scenes tour of UCF Lake Nona Hospital. Mini Medical University is held twice annually at UCF Lake Nona Hospital and is free for students to attend. 

About UCF Lake Nona Hospital 

Located in the heart of Orlando’s Medical City, UCF Lake Nona Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is a 64-bed, full-service medical and surgical acute care hospital serving Lake Nona and surrounding communities in Orange and Osceola counties. UCF Lake Nona Hospital employs the latest innovative solutions and life-saving technology, including 24/7 emergency care, a Level 1 cardiac program providing cardiac intervention and electrophysiology services, luxury family birthing units, inpatient and outpatient surgery including minimally invasive and surgical robotic technologies, oncology, diagnostic imaging, weight loss surgery and laboratory services. UCF Lake Nona Hospital is a partnership between HCA Healthcare and UCF Academic Health. 

About HCA Florida Healthcare 

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.