Saturday Sessions

Between September and June, students are invited to participate in Saturday Sessions hosted at Henry Ford Health. These sessions provide a welcoming, supportive environment where students can learn, ask questions, and actively engage with healthcare professionals.

During each session, students:

• Hear directly from physicians, surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals about their educational journeys, career paths, and day-to-day work
• Engage in surgical simulation activities, practicing skills used in real clinical settings
• Participate in a microanatomy laboratory experience, where students dissect a cadaver extremity under expert supervision
• Receive certification and real-life trauma-response skills through the Stop The Bleed program developed by the American College of Surgeons
• Gain exposure to advanced medical technologies and professional healthcare environments

No prior medical experience is required. Students are guided step-by-step through each activity by trained professionals.

Exposure to Healthcare Careers and Real-World Practice

Saturday Sessions emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to move beyond textbooks and presentations. Through simulation and lab experiences, students gain a clearer understanding of:

• The technical and problem-solving skills required in healthcare
• The teamwork and communication involved in clinical settings
• The realities of working in hospitals, operating rooms, and laboratories

By interacting with professionals at different stages of their careers, students learn that there are many paths into healthcare and many roles that contribute to patient care and innovation.

Building Confidence and Career Clarity

For many students, Saturday Sessions represent their first time inside a hospital or medical training environment. These experiences are intentionally designed to build confidence and self-belief by showing students that they are capable of mastering new skills and succeeding in professional spaces.

Students leave Saturday Sessions with:

• Greater confidence in their abilities
• Increased understanding of healthcare career pathways
• A clearer sense of whether a healthcare-related career aligns with their interests

A Supportive, Student-Centered Experience

Henry Ford Health is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students. To support participation and ensure students can focus fully on learning:

• Breakfast and lunch are provided during Saturday sessions
• Sessions are structured to encourage questions, interaction, and peer learning
• Students are supported by faculty, staff, residents, and trainees throughout the day

A Bridge to the Summer Internship

Saturday Sessions serve as a critical bridge between early exposure and deeper professional engagement. Students who participate in Saturday Sessions are encouraged to apply for the paid Summer Internship Program (Phase 3), where they can continue building skills, mentorship relationships, and career readiness.

Even for students who do not advance to the internship, Saturday Sessions provide valuable exposure, confidence, and knowledge that can inform future academic and career decisions.

Participation in the Phase 1 Outreach Visits is not required for participation in Saturday Sessions. Any Detroit-area high school student interested in healthcare is encouraged to apply.

To apply, use the following link: Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program