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Orlando Leaders Seek to Bridge Distance Between Medical City, West Side  September 6, 2013 | WMFE - Orlando leaders are taking steps to give students in economically depressed neighborhoods better access to careers in the Medical City. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer introduced a program Friday aimed at placing disadvantaged students in medical careers. [Photo: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer says the program will connect disadvantaged students with well-paying health careers.] The goal is to educate students in health and science beginning in kindergarten all the way up through medical school – and then place them in jobs. Deborah German of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine said children in disadvantaged neigborhoods sometimes don't know about opportunities in health care. She said often they don't even get health exams unless they're in sports. "Think about that. If you don't get a routine health exam unless you're participating in sports, that means the majority of students who are not participating in sports are never even exposed to health careers." Orange County Public Schools will collaborate with area colleges and universities to provide courses for the program. Hospitals will also offer education and job placements. One of the other barriers is the distance between the Medical City and Orlando's west side. So Lynx is starting a new bus service along the 30-mile route next year. |
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