North Oaks Welcomes 72 Medical Career Shadowers Representing 16 High Schools, NTCC and SLU

North Oaks Health System has welcomed 72 students into its 2025–2026 Medical Career Shadowing Program, marking a 26% increase from the previous academic year. Participants hail from 16 high schools, Northshore Technical Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University. The schools represent East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Natchitoches, Tangipahoa, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Tammany and Washington parishes, as well as a homeschool program based in North Carolina.

The group marked the official start of their journey with orientation on Dec. 2. Throughout the program, students aged 14 to 20 will shadow departments across the health system during winter and spring school breaks, gaining real-world exposure to clinical and non-clinical roles.

“The Medical Career Shadowing Program is part of North Oaks' commitment to fostering future healthcare professionals,” asserts Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau. “By providing early exposure to medical careers, North Oaks aims to inspire students to pursue healthcare professions and serve the community.”

Participants will also take part in an exclusive Medical Career Fair, where healthcare professionals from a wide range of specialties will speak candidly about their day-to-day responsibilities and career paths.

“This program gives students an authentic and inspiring glimpse into healthcare at a pivotal time in their academic and career planning,” explains North Oaks Volunteer Services Manager Malissa Gonzalez. “We are excited to support their curiosity, encourage their growth and help them envision a future in the medical field.”

North Oaks Medical Career Shadowers for 2025-26, pictured above, include: (from left, first row) Emily Brouillette, Hammond High Magnet; Rebecca Thiel and Ellie Fernandez, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School; Kori Giaratano, Loranger High School; Hannah Shirey and Eliza Kate Cowser, Hammond High Magnet School; Yesenia Ramirez and Sophia Bruna, Loranger High School; Karla Figueroo Castro; Hammond High Magnet School; Jolene Relan and Anna Strickland, Southeastern Louisiana University; (second row) Zyaria Zanders, Loranger High School; Nevaeh Parker, Hammond High Magnet School; Addisyn Perret, Marlie Catchot and Katie Addison, Ponchatoula High School; Nora Faulk, Camille Digby and Madison Mattingly, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School; Riley Perilloux and Alexus Schneider, Hammond High Magnet School; Chloe Drake, Independence High School; (third row) Ivy Roberts, Jewel Sumner High School; Taylor Boyd, Ponchatoula High School; Maya Rodriguez, Destrehan High School; Kaylee Wall, Springfield High School; Zakerah Chambers, Loranger High School; Mia Zheng, Bethany Ryan, Jade Sibley and Crystin Carter, Ponchatoula High School; Scarlet Argueta Medina and Danica Perilloux, Hammond High Magnet School; Ja’Kyria Carter, (fourth row) and Rylie Jarreau, Ponchatoula High School; Sadie Heintz, Archbishop Hannan High School; Promise Fair and Ann Gambel, Ponchatoula High School; Mylee McElveen and Izzy Spitale, Oak Forest Academy; Lily Morse, Giulia Piacente, Allie Perilloux, Lily Perrin, Sydney Michelli, Noelle McMorris and Riley Falcon, Ponchatoula High School; Ashley Ramirez, Hammond High Magnet School; (fifth row) Joey Cochiolla, Albany High School; Payton Pierre, Live Oak High School; Charles Ragan, Southeastern Louisiana University; Aubrey Davis and Carlie Turner, Oak Forest Academy; Sophia Chavers, Southeastern Louisiana University; Tristin Drake, Independence High School; Candra Spencer, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School; McKenzie Girard, Loranger High School; Kate Dentro, Denham Springs High School; Kaylee McCain, Jewel Summer High School; (sixth row) Noah Spitale, Oak Forest Academy; Caleb DeMatteo, Jewel Sumner High School; Paul Kreamer, University View Academy; Peyton Lashua, Walker High School; Teagan Woods, Courtney Christian School; Noah Weeg, Ponchatoula High School; Ella Pellichino, Northshore Technical Community College; Madison Capadona, Loranger High School; Autumn Lloyd, Denham Springs High School; and Grahym Fannaly, Classical Conversations. Not pictured are Marcie Mott, St. Scholastica Academy; and Emily Mwatibo, Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts.

To learn more about volunteer and career development opportunities at North Oaks, click here.