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CRNAs Continue STEM and Nurse Anesthesia Career Outreach at Local High Schools

A student practices intubation on a medical mannequin while an instructor observes and offers guidance. Other students watch closely as part of a hands-on learning session in a classroom filled with medical training equipment. The atmosphere is interactive and educational, with posters and safety instructions visible on the walls.
Dr. Kimberly Cantees, Vice Chair for Community Engagement and Inclusion, supervises as students practice intubation on a medical mannequin.

UPMC Shadyside certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) Rachel Hicks, MSN, CRNA, and Jessica E. Kridler, MSN, CRNA, continued their STEM education outreach collaboration with the organization M-PowerHouse to introduce local high school students to careers in nurse anesthesia.

The duo participated in several “Medical Milestones” events throughout February and March 2025, visiting three Pittsburgh Public Schools: Science and Technology Academy (February 18), Perry Traditional Academy (February 27), and the Obama Academy of International Studies (March 20).

A woman in a yellow cardigan demonstrates a medical technique on a cricket to a group of attentive high school students seated around a classroom table. In front of her are practice materials including foam blocks and medical tools. One student wears a red and white varsity jacket, while another adult in a blue floral dress observes from behind. Educational handouts and supplies are spread out on the table.
Jessica Kridler demonstrates an anesthetic technique on a cricket for the students.

Each session featured an engaging presentation on the role of CRNAs in the healthcare system, followed by hands-on demonstrations designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills. Students had the opportunity to practice airway management techniques such as intubation and bag-mask ventilation on simulation mannequins. They also observed demonstrations of anesthetic techniques on crickets—an innovative and accessible method for teaching core anesthesia concepts.

Rachel and Jessica began their collaboration with M-PowerHouse in 2023, aiming to expand awareness of nurse anesthesia as a dynamic and rewarding career path. These events demonstrate their commitment to not only mentorship and education in STEM, but also to building a robust pipeline of future healthcare professionals.

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