For over 15 years, Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles staff and physicians have inspired local youth to pursue medicine by mentoring teens as part of the Kaiser Permanente Hippocrates Circle program, which introduces under-represented students to careers in health care.
“The Hippocrates Circle Program has opened the door for many students who may not have the access or resources to pursue a career in medicine. Through this program, we can interact with and mentor the students—give them the exposure, experience, and encouragement to see what it’s like to be doctors. Our goal is to inspire them to start their own journeys to become physicians,” said Dr. Erique Emel, physician champion and pediatrician, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Medical Offices.
The 2022 Kaiser Permanente Hippocrates Circle program kicked off in April with a total of 35 students from the Los Angeles School District.
As part of the program, students participated in a series of events, including a presentation on financial aid from U.S. Bank and Unite LA. They also had the opportunity to join a virtual tour of the Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center and gather for a culmination ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Hippocrates Circle experience. These events are designed to help students visualize themselves preparing for medical school.
This year, during the 2022 culmination ceremony on June 4, the students were honored with certificates issued by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to recognize this major milestone and congratulate the next generation of medical professionals.
The Hippocrates Circle program is the first step in a long line of youth workforce development programs that Kaiser Permanente offers, including our Volunteer Program, INROADS internships, and Residency and Fellowship opportunities. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
