Deaconess/EVSC Health Science Institute

06/26/2026

06/20/2026

HSI 33 completed its final full day of the program today, and what an incredible day it was! 🩺🏥

Students finished their final two clinical rotations of HSI 33, marking the end of an unforgettable clinical journey. Throughout the past two weeks, students have explored countless healthcare professions, shadowed providers across numerous specialties, and gained experiences that many aspiring healthcare professionals do not encounter until much later in their education. We are so proud of the professionalism, curiosity, and enthusiasm they have demonstrated during each of their clinical experiences.

Following clinicals, students heard from Jessica Puntney, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) at Deaconess Cross Pointe. Jessica shared the important role recreational therapy plays in supporting patients with mental health needs and improving overall well-being. This was an especially meaningful session, as students learned more about the importance of mental health treatment and the many professionals who contribute to patient care. As healthcare continues to place greater emphasis on mental wellness, this experience helped students better appreciate the value of treating the whole person.

Next, students had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Kali Kuhlenschmidt, a trauma surgeon with Evansville Surgical Associates. Dr. Kuhlenschmidt shared her path to medicine, the challenges and rewards of a career in surgery, and the experiences that helped shape her professional journey. She encouraged students to never be afraid to step outside their comfort zones, explore new opportunities, and seek experiences beyond their hometowns. At the same time, she reminded students of the importance of remembering where they come from and the value of giving back to the communities that helped shape them. Students especially appreciated her honesty, transparency, and willingness to answer questions about life as a surgeon.

To conclude the day, students participated in a hands-on splinting and casting workshop. They learned the fundamentals of properly stabilizing injuries and applying casts before putting their new skills to the test by casting one another's arms and legs as if they were treating real fractures. This interactive activity was a favorite among many students and provided a fun and memorable way to end the final full day of the program.

Tomorrow, students will deliver their final speeches and celebrate their accomplishments at the Closing Recognition Banquet. As we prepare to conclude HSI 33, we are incredibly proud of everything these students have accomplished over the past two weeks. Their growth, professionalism, leadership, and passion for healthcare have been inspiring to watch, and we cannot wait to celebrate them tomorrow.
One more morning, HSI 33! 👏🩺

06/19/2026

HSI 33 had another incredible day filled with healthcare exploration, hands-on learning, and inspiration from healthcare leaders and professionals! 🩺🏥

Students began the day with a presentation from Dr. James Porter, President of Deaconess Health System. Dr. Porter spoke about the importance of Quality and Medical Affairs and how these areas help ensure patients receive safe, effective, and high-quality care. He also shared what his day-to-day responsibilities look like as the leader of a major healthcare system. We are incredibly grateful that Dr. Porter took time out of his busy schedule to speak with our students and provide insight into healthcare leadership.

Following his presentation, students traveled to the University of Southern Indiana and first visited University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions, where they explored a variety of healthcare disciplines and educational opportunities.

The first stop was USI Nutrition, where students learned about the important role nutrition plays in health and disease. Students discovered how healthcare professionals use nutritional assessments and signs of malnutrition to help diagnose and manage a variety of medical conditions.

Next, students visited the Dental Hygiene program. During this session, students learned about careers in dental hygiene and used dental X-rays to identify and diagnose various oral health conditions. This hands-on experience highlighted the important role dental professionals play in overall health and wellness.

Students then visited the USI Nursing program, where students were introduced to the profession of nursing, educational requirements, and the many career opportunities available to nurses. Students also had the opportunity to interact with a high-fidelity simulation mannequin and experience how simulation technology is used to train future healthcare professionals.

The group then learned about USI Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students used ultrasound technology on a simulated pregnant patient and gained insight into a profession many had never previously explored. This experience showcased the critical role sonographers play in patient diagnosis and prenatal care.

The final stop within the College of Nursing and Health Professions was USI Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Students learned how healthcare professionals safely transfer patients using a Hoyer lift and explored how visual impairments can affect daily activities through an engaging miniature golf activity using simulation glasses designed to mimic various vision conditions.

Following these experiences, students learned about USI's highly competitive B/MD Program, which provides selected students the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree at USI while also securing a provisional seat at the Indiana University School of Medicine Evansville. Students were excited to learn more about this unique pathway into medicine.

The afternoon continued with a visit to USI Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. Students first met with the Biology Department and learned about the many career opportunities available to graduates with a biology degree. Many students were surprised by the wide variety of pathways beyond traditional healthcare careers.

Students then visited the Chemistry Department for several exciting hands-on activities. They created their own slime, synthesized nylon, and extracted DNA from strawberries while learning about the science behind each experiment. Students also had the opportunity to see USI's brand-new $350,000+ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer, an advanced instrument used in chemical and biomedical research.

After returning to Deaconess Midtown Hospital, students heard from Dr. Pearl Quartey-Kumapley, a Family Medicine physician with Deaconess Memorial Clinic. Dr. Quartey shared her personal journey into medicine and encouraged students to pursue their goals with confidence and determination. Her message was simple but powerful: anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and believe in yourself. Do hard things, and great rewards will follow.

To conclude the day, students heard from Dr. Lee Wagmeister, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon. Dr. Wagmeister discussed his path to becoming a surgeon, his daily responsibilities, and the fascinating world of cardiovascular medicine. Students then had the unique opportunity to participate in a pig heart dissection, allowing them to examine cardiac anatomy firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of how the heart functions.

What an incredible day of learning, discovery, and hands-on experiences! HSI 33 continues to impress us with their enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to embrace every opportunity. We can't wait to see what the final day of the program has in store! 👏🩺

06/18/2026

HSI 33 had another outstanding day filled with hands-on learning, career exploration, and exposure to a wide variety of healthcare professions! 🩺🎓🏥

Students started the day bright and early at the University of Evansville, where they spent the morning exploring several healthcare-related programs and learning about the many educational pathways available to them.

The day began with a visit to the UE Mental Health Clinic. Students toured the facility and learned about the importance of mental health care, the wide range of mental health conditions that affect individuals and families, and the many professionals who work together to support patients in this field. This experience helped students better understand the growing need for mental health services and the rewarding careers available within behavioral health.

Next, students visited the University of Evansville Nursing, where they learned about UE’s nursing program and the many opportunities it provides for future nurses. Students then participated in a hands-on anatomy activity, examining and inflating pig lungs to better understand respiratory anatomy and how the lungs function. This was a memorable and engaging experience that brought classroom concepts to life.

Students then traveled to the University of Evansville Nurse Anesthesia Program, where they learned about the profession of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), the educational pathway required to enter the field, and the important role CRNAs play in patient care. Students also had the opportunity to practice intubation techniques using simulation mannequins and airway scopes, giving them a firsthand look at some of the skills anesthesia providers utilize every day.

The final stop on campus was the UE Exercise Science Department. Here, students learned about the field of exercise science and its applications in healthcare, rehabilitation, and human performance. Students participated in a gait analysis activity and learned how healthcare professionals evaluate movement patterns to improve health, prevent injuries, and optimize physical performance.

Following their time on campus, students traveled to the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences in downtown Evansville for an afternoon of additional healthcare exploration.
Students first visited the University of Evansville Physician Assistant Program, where they learned about the educational requirements, responsibilities, and career opportunities available to Physician Assistants. They also participated in a hands-on ultrasound activity, using ultrasound equipment to visualize different structures within the body and gain exposure to an important diagnostic tool used throughout healthcare.

Students then visited University of Evansville Doctor of Physical Therapy, where they learned about the profession of physical therapy and participated in several assessments commonly used by therapists, including strength testing, reflex testing, and the Y-Balance Test. These activities provided students with a better understanding of how physical therapists evaluate and treat patients.

Next, students traveled a few floors up to visit the Indiana University School of Medicine - Evansville. During their visit, students toured the medical school facilities, explored simulation labs, and had the opportunity to visit the anatomy cadaver laboratory. This experience gave students a unique glimpse into medical education and the rigorous training future physicians undergo.

Students also visited the Medical Laboratory Science Program, where they learned about the critical role laboratory professionals play in healthcare. During the visit, students examined cross-sections of human brains and explored how laboratory science contributes to patient diagnosis and treatment.

To conclude the morning, students participated in a panel discussion with three second-year medical students from IU School of Medicine Evansville. The panelists answered questions about medical school, studying medicine, maintaining balance, and navigating the journey to becoming a physician. This was an invaluable opportunity for students to hear directly from individuals currently pursuing their medical education.

The day concluded with Clinical #7 and table group debriefing, giving students an opportunity to reflect on everything they learned and experienced throughout the day.

Today was certainly busy, but it was another incredible opportunity for students to explore healthcare careers, learn from professionals, and gain exposure to educational pathways that may shape their futures. We continue to be impressed by the curiosity, professionalism, and enthusiasm of HSI 33 and can't wait to see what the final days of the program have in store! 👏

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

HSI 33 had another incredible day packed with learning, inspiration, and hands-on experiences! 🩺🏥

Students started the morning bright and early with Dr. Karla Kitch, a pediatric hospitalist, who shared what life is like working in pediatrics. Dr. Kitch discussed the unique challenges and rewards of caring for children and their families, giving students valuable insight into a specialty that many have never had the opportunity to explore. It was a wonderful introduction to the field of pediatrics and the important role pediatricians play in the healthcare system.

Next, students boarded the bus and traveled to Ivy Tech Community College Evansville. There, they toured the campus and learned about the many educational opportunities available through Ivy Tech. Students were surprised to discover the wide variety of programs offered, including both short-term certifications and long-term degree pathways. The visit helped students better understand the many routes available to pursue careers in healthcare and beyond.

Students then had the privilege of hearing from Shannon Lengacher Strieter, a nine-year cancer survivor. Shannon courageously shared her personal journey from diagnosis through treatment and ultimately life after cancer. Her story provided students with a powerful perspective on the physical, emotional, and personal challenges that individuals and families face throughout the cancer journey. By hearing directly from someone who has lived through the experience, students gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of patients and the importance of compassionate healthcare.

Following this, students visited Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital, where they learned about the many specialized services provided to help patients recover and regain independence. Students were introduced to the fields of Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy, learning how each discipline plays a vital role in rehabilitation and patient recovery.

While there, students also heard from Madison Smith, an outstanding Occupational Therapist who works on the stroke unit. Madison shared how she approaches each new patient with hope, determination, and an individualized plan for success. She encouraged students to never place limits on what someone can achieve, reminding them that incredible outcomes are possible when patients are supported, motivated, and believe in themselves. Her message left a lasting impression on many of our students.

To conclude the day, students participated in an exciting and interactive anesthesia experience with Dr. Cameron Waller, an HSI alumnus and current anesthesiologist at Deaconess. Dr. Waller shared his journey to medicine and reflected on how his own experience in HSI, particularly learning from Dr. Duane Kuhlenschmidt, helped solidify his desire to pursue a career in anesthesiology.

Joining him was Dr. Aaron Costlow, also an anesthesiologist at Deaconess. Together, they gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the critical role anesthesiologists play in patient care. Students learned how ultrasound is used to locate jugular veins, radial arteries, and other blood vessels throughout the body. They also observed demonstrations of proper intubation techniques and learned how anesthesia machines are used to safely monitor and care for patients during surgery. This hands-on experience gave students a unique opportunity to explore a specialty that many patients never fully see but that is essential to modern medicine.

It was a very busy day, but one filled with valuable lessons, inspiring stories, and unforgettable experiences. HSI 33 continues to impress us with their curiosity, professionalism, and enthusiasm for learning. We can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store! 👏🩺

06/17/2026

First responders pulled out stretchers, performed triage, and administered aid on the students, who were acting in a disaster scenario.

06/16/2026

Yesterday, HSI 33 students had the opportunity to participate in an unforgettable mass casualty incident training exercise at the University of Southern Indiana, designed to help local first responders prepare for real-world emergencies. 🚑🚨

Before the exercise began, students were transformed into mock patients using realistic moulage techniques, complete with simulated bruises, wounds, and injuries. Once the scenario started, students portrayed patients with a wide range of medical conditions and injuries, helping create a realistic environment for emergency responders to train in.

One of the primary objectives of the exercise was triage, the process of rapidly assessing patients and prioritizing care based on the severity of their injuries. Students were able to witness firsthand the incredible teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills required of first responders during high-pressure situations. It was a powerful lesson in how emergency professionals remain calm amidst chaos, allocate resources efficiently, and work together to save lives.

This experience provided our students with a unique behind-the-scenes look at emergency response and highlighted the critical role that preparedness and collaboration play in protecting our communities.
We are incredibly grateful to the agencies that partnered with us to make this educational experience possible:

Perry Township Fire Department
Marrs Township Volunteer Fire Department
Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office
American Medical Response of Evansville
Vanderburgh County Fire Department
USI Public Safety
Evansville-Vanderburgh Central Dispatch
14 NEWS
Eyewitness News WEHT WTVW

Thank you to all of the first responders, organizers, volunteers, and community partners who dedicated their time and expertise to making this event such a meaningful learning opportunity for our students.

Please note: Some photos from the exercise may appear graphic; however, all injuries and wounds were simulated as part of the training scenario.

What an incredible experience for HSI 33 and a powerful reminder of the dedication and professionalism of those who serve our community every day. 💙👏

06/16/2026

Health Science Institute hosts disaster drill on USI campus >>>
https://www.14news.com/2026/06/16/health-science-institute-hosts-disaster-drill-usi-campus/