Willis Knighton employees gave high school students a warm welcome Tuesday as they arrived for a new
session of the Health Occupation Partnership (HOP) program.
Eighty-four students gathered at the Willis Knighton Innovation Center in Bossier City to kick off another year
of HOP, a partnership between Willis Knighton Health and Caddo Parish schools that gives students hands-on
experience and exciting opportunities to explore careers in healthcare.
Since launching in 2023 with just two schools, the program has grown to include six: Booker T. Washington,
Captain Shreve, Green Oaks, Huntington, Woodlawn and Magnolia School of Excellence.
Students meet twice a month during the school year and spend about 10 hours each month gaining
experience in a variety of healthcare departments, including physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy, respiratory
therapy and radiology. Their experiences span three Willis Knighton campuses — Willis Knighton North, Willis
Knighton Pierremont and Willis Knighton Rehabilitation Institute.
Along the way, students get an inside look at what it’s really like to work in healthcare while building valuable
skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism and problem-solving.
Most importantly, HOP gives students the chance to discover what interests them, ask questions, gain
confidence and begin exploring the many career paths available in healthcare.
“HOP is more than a program to me. It is a passion, a purpose and a promise to our students,” said Mallory
Gatson, MSEd, development coordinator at Willis Knighton Health. “Watching it grow over the last four years
has been incredibly rewarding, but none of it would be possible without the amazing staff who consistently
show up, invest in our students and believe in the mission.
“The success of this program is a reflection of the passion, teamwork and unwavering commitment of those
who continue to inspire, support and create opportunities for the next generation of healthcare
professionals.”