DxD HealthTech is bringing together a group of diverse community college students and Silicon Valley companies for an immersive three-month program exploring the wide range of career opportunities available in the medical technology industry.
The second annual Pathways in Health Technology program kicked off January 20 and 21 with 25 students from 10 Bay Area Colleges, and was supported with funding by Advamed.
“We’re excited to build on the success of last year’s inaugural Pathways in Health Technology program,” said Ingrid Ellerbe, executive director of DxD HealthTech. “This is an outstanding group of students, and they’re going to gain a deeper understanding of the many ways that their diverse voice and perspective can improve health equity for their families, their friends, their communities, and the world at large – whether they bring skills in marketing or bioengineering.”
In their first weekend of sessions, the students were welcomed by leaders of Fogarty Innovation and Stanford Biodesign, which together founded and support DxD HealthTech. They also met representatives from five participating healthtech companies – Element Science, Imperative Care, Intuitive Surgical, ReCor Medical and Shockwave Medical – who will provide mentoring and facilitate group programs with the students throughout the program.
In the introductory mindset training, Ronald Page told the students, “It’s not who you know, but who knows you.” He encouraged the students to stand out, build their networks, and take advantage of all the resources they will benefit from in the Pathway’s program, and the students took it to heart, introducing themselves and engaging in small group conversations with the panelists and speakers they met throughout the first weekend.
Meeting over the course of 8 weekends through April, students will hear from expert panels, attend company technology showcases, work in small teams with mentors from participating companies, prepare to apply for internships, and discuss common obstacles and experiences such as imposter syndrome.
The students in the 2024 Pathways in Health Technology come from Berkeley City College, College of Marin, College of San Mateo, De Anza College/Foothill College, Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College, Los Positas College, Ohlone College, Shasta College and Skyline College.
Meet the students participating in the 2024 Pathways in Health Technology.