Palmdale High School Students Finish Inaugural Care Program with Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley.

LANCASTER, CA.- Sixty-three students from Palmdale High School’s Health Careers Academy were honored for completing the inaugural Observation of Care Program, a 12-week initiative developed in partnership with Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley to provide hands-on experience in the medical field.

The program gave students a rare opportunity to shadow physicians across a range of specialties—including cardiology, endocrinology, hematology/oncology, pediatrics and family medicine—at Kaiser Permanente facilities in Lancaster and Palmdale. Students observed clinical practices, engaged with medical professionals and explored potential career paths in healthcare.

The program was spearheaded by Dr. Rana Shenoy, Physician Champion at Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley, who emphasized the importance of community-based mentorship.

“Programs like Observation of Care are extremely important,” said Dr. Shenoy. “We already arrange shadowing for children and relatives of our providers, but we wanted to open it up to local high school students. The Health Careers Academy was a perfect partner because these students are already passionate about medicine. This is one of our ways to inspire local youth to pursue healthcare careers and return to serve the Antelope Valley.”

The program concluded with morning and afternoon ceremonies on May 14, where students were recognized with certificates of achievement from Kaiser Permanente, as well as certificates of recognition from the City of Palmdale and Assemblymember Juan Carrillo.

Photo Caption: Palmdale High School Health Careers Academy students celebrate the completion of the Observation of Care program with Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley.

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