“Futures” pairs Hoag sports medicine specialist, program manager to mentor high school students interested in healthcare careers
Newport Beach, CA/San Clemente, CA, Jan. 21, 2025 — A Hoag sports medicine physician and registered nurse will partner with high school students as part of a San Clemente Chamber of Commerce pilot program aimed at growing future professionals in the community.
Launching this month, Futures is a five-step program that offers career exploration opportunities and facilitates connections between San Clemente High School students and local business leaders. Through work-based learning enrichment experiences, Futures aims to prepare students for success in Orange County’s priority employment sectors.
For the pilot program launch this semester, the first step will introduce students in grades 9 to12 to industry-leading professionals from Hoag. Dr. Eugene Yim, a Hoag sports medicine specialist, and Carmel Jennings, Hoag registered nurse and sports medicine program manager, will share their expertise and experiences.
This session will provide valuable insights into the fields of sports medicine and healthcare, offering students the occasion to learn from top professionals and gain inspiration for exciting career pathways.
“I am thrilled for an opportunity to connect with the young people of San Clemente and share more about careers in health care,” said Dr. Yim. “Medicine is an incredibly rewarding career, and it would be an honor to inspire even just one student to pursue a future in medicine and give back to their hometown.”
Futures was developed by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and will run the inaugural pilot program in 2025.
“Chambers of Commerce are uniquely positioned to solve workforce challenges by connecting our schools with our local businesses, however progress can only be made when key community stakeholders are also involved,” said Susie Lantz, CEO of the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce.
“The Futures program was developed via valuable input from our chamber-member businesses, nonprofit organizations and local schools. We are overjoyed to begin this pilot program with Hoag and our beloved San Clemente High School and look forward to introducing students to a variety of professional sectors during their high school years. Whether the students attend a university, community college, or enter the workforce or military service post high school, Futures will provide a deeper dive into a variety of career opportunities, especially within our local community.”
Said Dr. Brad Baker, principal of San Clemente High School: “We are excited to collaborate with Hoag and the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce on the Futures program. This initiative provides our students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, gain valuable insights into healthcare careers, and build connections that will help shape their futures. Programs like this strengthen the bond between our students and the community while inspiring the next generation of professionals.”
The 20,000-square-foot Hoag Health Center San Clemente is set to open in summer 2025 at Plaza Pacifica. Among its offerings will be urgent care, primary care, women’s health and imaging services, as well as Compass, a unique program bringing a proactive approach to overall health and wellness, with a focus on prevention and longevity.
Additionally, the center will feature a comprehensive sports medicine program designed to meet the needs of athletes of all levels and that emphasizes a holistic approach to non-surgical care, offering everything from injury prevention and rehabilitation to advanced diagnostic imaging like MRI and CT scans.
ABOUT THE SAN CLEMENTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business and professionals who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the general welfare and prosperity of the local business community. The Chamber’s mission is to protect the free enterprise system, champion business, and strive for a healthy economy and a better quality of life in our community.
ABOUT HOAG
Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 17 urgent care facilities, 12 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and four ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org
