Southern Vermont AHEC

Meet Rising Star CSHIP Intern Ryder Busto!

From Burke, Vermont, Ryder is spending his summer giving back through his CSHIP internship with .O.P.E. Vermont (Helping Other People Every Day) in Lyndonville.

As a rising sophomore and nursing major at the University of Vermont, Ryder is leading H.O.P.E.'s Summer Produce Giveaway Program, connecting with local farms to provide fresh, healthy food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity while expanding the program's reach throughout the community.

"Working with H.O.P.E. has helped me communicate more effectively with diverse populations experiencing issues like housing and food insecurity. I have met so many people I might never have known, and it has meant so much to me listening to their challenges and offering support," Ryder shared.

His supervisor, Jaime Brown, has seen that impact firsthand:
"Ryder has been so dedicated to his internship responsibilities at H.O.P.E. Through his calm demeanor and attention to detail, he has been successful in expanding the outreach for the Summer Produce Giveaway Program."

Ryder hopes to pursue a career in nursing, with a focus on emergency services—and if this summer is any indication, he's already building the compassion, leadership, and commitment that will make him an outstanding healthcare professional.

Congratulations, Ryder! We're excited to see where your journey leads and grateful for the positive impact you're making today. 👏



Vermont Department of Health Northern Vermont AHEC Vermont Health Careers

Session Two of MedQuest at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHS) has officially come to a close, and what an incredible three days it has been.

The final day gave students one more opportunity to dive into hands-on learning with an Ultrasound Module led by mentors Grace Giroux and Joe Gallo. From learning the science behind the ultrasound imaging to using portable ultrasound devices themselves, students gained firsthand experience with a tool that plays a vital role in patient care.

Another memorable part of the day was their candid conversation with the MedQuest mentors, who shared their personal journeys into medicine. They dispensed sound advice about college and medical school preparation, building strong study habits, and maintaining work/life balance.

The day concluded with student presentations of their Media Myth Buster Capstone Projects. The teams (check out these clever names: Mustard, Relish, and Ketchup), selected pivotal scenes from popular medical dramas like “House” and “Grey’s Anatomy” and using different props, transformed them into realistic scenarios by applying evidence-based medicine, sound ethics, and proper clinical practice. Their impressive presentations showcased their creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

Witnessing how these students have blossomed with confidence is nothing short of astounding. This reminds us why programs like MedQuest matter.

A heartfelt thank you to our mentors, panelists, presenters, and staff at MAHHS for making this such a meaningful experience.



Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Northern Vermont AHEC Vermont Health Careers Hartford Area Career and Technology Center, HACTC River Valley Tech Center Windsor School
Hanover High School

Day 2 of MedQuest at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center was all about exploring the many opportunities that exist in health careers/and giving students the chance to learn directly from the professionals who make an impact every day.

The morning kicked off with an engaging Heath Careers Panel, where students heard personal and funny stories, career and college advice from healthcare professionals with many years of lived experience. Thank you to Nick Dumont (Pharmacy Manager), Moriah Tidwell (Chief Nursing Officer), Robyn Pond (Laboratory Supervisor), Dimas Espinola, MD (Pediatrician with Community Health-Pediatrics, and Meghan Curtin (Radiology Manager) for inspiring the next generation of health professionals.

That afternoon MedQuest mentors Daron Forohar and Eric Goodney guided students through the anatomy of the lower extremities. Participants practiced evaluating simulated leg injuries and learned hands on splinting techniques. The mentors acted as the patients and were good sports during the activity.

The day closed with everyone gathering for a group photo including students, mentors, and Southern Vermont AHEC staff.

Stay with us for our final day tomorrow!



Vermont Health Careers Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization Northern Vermont AHEC The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Hartford Area Career and Technology Center, HACTC Windsor School Hanover High School

Session 2 of MedQuest is officially underway!

July 29-31 we’re thrilled to launch our second MedQuest session at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor, Vt.-and we’re especially excited because this is the first time MedQuest has been hosted at MAHHC.

Twenty-one high school students began their healthcare journey by trading their everyday clothes for scrubs and stepping into hands-on learning, career exploration, and behind the scenes experiences.

The day kicked off with fun team building activities before the students rolled up their sleeves for an interactive session on Outdoor Wilderness Medicine: Ticks, Tick-Borne Illnesses, and Heat Illness. Led by MedQuest mentors Margaux Eller and Tariq Qayum from The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, the students learned
practical skills they can both use in healthcare and everyday life.

Students learned how to:

•Identify common tick species
•Safely remove a tick
•Recognize the signs and symptoms of tick/borne illnesses and how to prevent them.

In the afternoon, the students headed into the hospital to shadow health professionals in departments like the Medical Surgical Unit, Emergency Department, Laboratory, and Rehabilitation Services. These firsthand experiences gave them a closer look at the teamwork, compassion, and expertise that make quality patient care possible-and introduced them to a variety of exciting health careers.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for highlights from Day 2!



Vermont Department of Health Vermont Health Careers National AHEC Organization
Northern Vermont AHEC Hartford Area Career and Technology Center, HACTC Windsor School
Woodstock Union High School

Meet CSHIP Rising Star Intern Molly Morrissey!

This summer, Molly Morrissey, a rising junior at the University of Vermont, majoring in Health & Society with a minor in chemistry, is making a real difference through her College Student Health Internship Program (CSHIP) with Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging In-Home Caregiver and Respite Pilot Program.

With dreams of becoming a physician specializing in either oncology or reproductive endocrinology, Molly has spent the summer navigating southern Vermont to provide respite care for caregivers with clients with dementia and other age related conditions.

Whether Molly is drawing, playing games, or just talking with clients she has discovered that meaningful care starts with empathy.

“Working with this population has been life changing for me,” said Molly. “I can step into their shoes and really understand their daily struggles.”

“Molly has been a pleasure to work with as we pilot the CSHIP Program. She is compassionate, communicates exceptionally well, and the caregivers she supports consistently share positive feedback and are excited to see her again. The CSHIP Program has already proven to be a meaningful benefit for both caregivers and students.”

Let’s celebrate Molly for helping to making a lasting impact on Vermont families.



Vermont Health Careers Community Health National AHEC Organization Vermont Department of Health Northern Vermont AHEC

Meet Rising Star CSHIP Intern Isabella "Bella" Harbeson!

A proud Vermonter and rising junior at the University of New Hampshire, Bella is making a meaningful impact this summer as a College Student Health Internship Program (CSHIP) intern with North Star Dental.

Working alongside Registered Dental Hygienist Lisa Watson, Bella has visited schools and summer camps, helping children learn about oral health through creative, hands-on activities that make learning both fun and memorable.

"I love community outreach," Bella shares. "My CSHIP experience has enabled me to use my voice and have people see me not just as a college student, but also as a dental educator. I have learned so much about dentistry and try to encourage these young people to pursue this profession."

Bella's passion for educating others and inspiring the next generation is already shining through—and it's no surprise that her dream is to become a dentist!



North Star Health Vermont Health Careers National AHEC Organization Northern Vermont AHEC Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce Vermont Department of Health River Valley Tech Center