Overview:
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's inaugural Urban Excursion brought together a diverse group of interns, externs, and nonclinical fellows for a day of community connection and exploration in the Queen City, fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
• The event featured a tour of Cincinnati's cultural and civic landmarks, a special meeting with city leaders, and a commitment to expand the welcome tour in the future.
In a vibrant display of community and dedication to the future, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center recently hosted its inaugural Cincinnati Children’s Urban Excursion. Designed by the HR Talent Acquisition DEI Team, this event warmly welcomed a diverse group of interns, externs, and nonclinical fellows to the Queen City.
The day began with eager anticipation as the interns, externs, and nonclinical fellows gathered. Led by the HR Talent Acquisition Team, they embarked on a journey aimed at fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging from the start. The group comprised Quality Improvement Fellows, Administrative Fellows, BRIMS student interns, nurses, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Fellows, nurse externs, and various health care professionals. Given that these roles span across different departments and locations within Cincinnati Children’s, the event provided a unique opportunity for these young professionals to connect in ways they might not otherwise experience.
Guided by the city’s streetcar, The Connector, the group embarked on a tour, unveiling Cincinnati’s rich tapestry of cultural and civic landmarks. From the historic Findlay Market to the bustling streets of The Banks, every step illuminated the city’s essence. The highlight of the day was a special meeting with Cincinnati’s Mayor and Vice-Mayor, where conversations flowed freely and visions for community engagement were shared. Mayor Aftab declared July 12th as Cincinnati Children’s Urban Excursion Day with a formal proclamation from the city.
“This Urban Excursion is more than a tour; it’s a testament to our commitment to belonging and retention,” remarked Teresa Weickert, reflecting on the day’s impact. Chantal Weaver voiced “We believe in cultivating a community where everyone feels valued and connected.” One student stated, “ … I had so much fun, and learned so much about Cincinnati that I never knew about. I am so grateful for all of the mentors and other people I met during our trip in the city — they all shared very important information effectively and made the whole excursion fun while taking the time to make connections between us all.”
As the sun set on this inaugural event, plans were already in motion to expand the welcome tour next year. With enthusiastic support from participants and community leaders alike, Cincinnati Children’s looks forward to extending this warm embrace to even more new hires, ensuring every arrival is greeted with the same spirit of unity and opportunity that defines the Queen City.
In the heart of Cincinnati, a new chapter begins for these future health care professionals, united in purpose and ready to make a difference.