Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy held its Dec. 7 meeting at the Kosciusko Wellness Center.
Steve Miller, CEO of Kosciusko Community Hospital, began the session by speaking about health care careers. There are opportunities in many areas such as a medical supplier, in finance, as an administrator, doctor, nurse, physical therapist and others.
Miller’s advice to the students is to find a profession that they really enjoy and one where they want to help people and make a difference. Miller also encouraged the students to get involved and volunteer in the community.
Stephanie DeRuntz from DePuy shared information about the evolution of orthopedics and the impact orthopedics has in Kosciusko County.
Students learned about knee and hip implants and the continual advancements in the materials used in these procedures. DeRuntz encouraged the students to consider an internship, become involved in activities and begin to build a network of people around them for support and contacts.
Brad Bishop, executive director of OrthoWorx, informed the students that OrthoWorx was formed in 2009 to help orthopedic jobs remain available in the county and make the Warsaw area seem attractive to prospective employees. Bishop indicated that because of OrthoWorx’s encouragement, courses have been added to Warsaw School’s curriculum to make the school system more appealing. To aid in workforce and talent development, Ivy Tech is starting a new certificate program that will focus on orthopedic employment.
Troy Hershberger from Biomet showed a video that overviewed hip and knee replacement surgery.
Hershberger then showed several examples of specific implants that were made for patients’ unique needs. He stressed the importance of how technology, scientist, engineers, surgeons and machinist all work together to create unique implants for people all over the world. When choosing a career, Hershberger challenged the students to consider what talents they had that could be used to help other people.
KYLA moderator Tony Ciriello concluded the session by giving an overview of the next few meetings. The next session is Jan. 11.
