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Originally published July 29, 2026
Last updated July 29, 2026
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On July 29, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH), part of Keck Medicine of USC, welcomed eight USC Bovard Scholars for its Healthcare Day of Discovery, an immersive experience designed to introduce high school students to the many career opportunities within healthcare.
Students representing California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Florida and Tennessee spent the day learning directly from physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals, exploring the wide range of roles that contribute to world-class care.
The USC Bovard Scholars program supports high-achieving high school seniors — many of whom are first-generation college-bound students — through personalized college preparation, mentorship and career exploration opportunities.
“This experience is about opening doors and expanding possibilities,” said Armand Dorian, MD, MMM, CEO of USC-VHH. “By connecting students with our physicians, nurses and staff, we help them better understand what a career in healthcare looks like and the many ways they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We hope they leave inspired to continue exploring their future.”
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive learning stations that highlighted both clinical care and hospital administration. Activities included practicing safe patient handling and mobility techniques using a mechanical lift, practicing the assessment of vital signs, performing a vascular ultrasound, participating in stroke education demonstrations and engaging with healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines.
“After attending today’s Day of Discovery, I learned about several healthcare disciplines that I had never considered before,” said Barbara Baeza, a USC Bovard Scholar from Dickinson, Texas. “What excited me most was seeing how professionals across different disciplines work together to make a meaningful impact on patient care.”
Healthcare Day of Discovery has welcomed students from local high schools, Glendale Community College and programs such as USC Bovard Scholars, providing opportunities and inspiration for learners at different stages of their educational journeys.
“Our goal is to create an engaging, memorable opportunity for students to gain valuable insight into the field,” said Marie Filipian, MPH, community benefit director at USC-VHH. “We’re proud to provide resources and experiences that support them on their educational journey.”
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