Julia Dixon-Ernst, MSN, CRNA (UPMC Presbyterian) and Erica Wiesen, MSN, CRNA, (Assistant Clinical CRNA Director, UPMC Mercy) proudly represented our department at the 2025 UPMC Pathways to Work High School Career Event. Held on Thursday, November 20 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, this annual event drew an impressive crowd of over 1,300 high school students eager to explore careers in healthcare.
Erica and Julia staffed an interactive booth highlighting the role of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in perioperative care. Their engaging presentation and enthusiasm for the profession attracted considerable student interest, helping to raise awareness of the CRNA career path among future healthcare professionals.
Hosted by UPMC, the Pathways event is designed to introduce high school students to a wide range of clinical and support roles in healthcare through interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and direct engagement with professionals from departments including nursing, laboratories, imaging, and more. The half-day program also provided free parking and lunch to all attendees.
Julia and Erica also participated in the event last year, where they were similarly well-received. Their return to the event reflects our CRNAs’ ongoing efforts to increase awareness of nurse anesthesia as a career path among high school students.