Salinas Valley Health Builds Tomorrow’s Healthcare Workforce

SALINAS, CA – Across the United States, hospitals are grappling with a growing shortage of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.  At Salinas Valley Health, an innovative solution takes a home-grown approach to creating an essential workforce pipeline.

Every summer, students from across Monterey County step inside the Medical Center not as patients or visitors, but as the next generation of caregivers. There are 27 students enrolled in this year’s Summer Health Institute. For seven of them, the experience is especially meaningful - they were born at Salinas Valley Health, making this a full circle moment.

"I’m so grateful for this unique experience,” says Carolyn Chen who was born at Salinas Valley Health. “My dad works at PrimeCare which fostered my interest in internal medicine but this program is opening my eyes to lots of other areas of interest like the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.”

Summer Health Institute is a five-week immersive experience designed to introduce local students to the wide range of opportunities available in healthcare. Through classroom instruction, presentations from healthcare professionals, job shadowing experiences and team projects, participants gain firsthand exposure to the people and disciplines that result in providing the community with excellent patient care. 

"This program gives students a backstage pass to career opportunities in the healthcare industry – both clinical and non-clinical roles,” said Shannon Graham, Salinas Valley Health Director of Volunteer and Health Career Services. “We nurture the talent and aspirations of people born and raised in this community.  These students represent the diversity of our region and are the future of care in the Salinas Valley."

“As a first-generation college student, I am deeply motivated by the countless opportunities Summer Health Institute offers me,” said 17-year-old Luis Urias Hernandez from Marina. “The program is more than a professional learning experience, it’s a space where I can learn from those around me and refine my aspirations.”

Salinas Valley Health launched Summer Health Institute in 2003 in partnership with Hartnell College and R.O.P./Health Academies and recruits students from across Monterey County through a competitive application process.

"We are experiencing a shortage of healthcare providers nationally and locally," said Dr. Allen Radner, Salinas Valley Health President/CEO. "Healthcare organizations can't simply wait for the next generation of professionals to arrive. We are investing in the future we want to see by inspiring students and introducing them to a rewarding career path.”

Nianti Rojas-Mendoza of Salinas graduated from Everett Alverez High School and will be attending UCLA in the fall majoring in public health on the pre-med track. 

“As a first-generation Mexican American with no connection to healthcare, I appreciate the way the program is centered on fostering growth and knowledge,” said Rojas-Mendoza. “I came here wanting to become a pediatrician however this experience is also sparking an interest in leadership roles and hospital administration.”

Summer Health Institute concludes July 16 with a formal graduation ceremony.  The 2026 class will mark 485 students who have participated in the program. 

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843