Turning aspirations into action: how the Options and Opportunities (O²) program cultivates Nova Scotia Health’s future

Martin Fisher keeps every thank-you note.

As volunteer resources coordinator for the Northern Zone, Martin treasures each message he receives from former high school students who've gone on to continue their education in healthcare or lead successful careers in the field. 

"When an email arrives saying 'thanks to my experience with your teams, I've been accepted into nursing school,' it’s a rewarding feeling," Martin said warmly. "These notes remind me just how much real-time experience and hands-on learning can change lives."

That impact is why Colchester East Hants Health Centre has partnered with the provincially run Options and Opportunities (O²) program for the past 15 years. The high school credit-based initiative prepares youth for post-secondary paths through hands-on experience.

Raj Makkar is manager of primary healthcare planning & development. He works alongside Martin and helps coordinate student placements at the hospital. Raj remembered when Colchester East Hants Centre began working with the program in 2010. "We started with just a handful of students each semester here at Colchester East Hants," he recalled. "Now, we've welcomed nearly 300 students through our doors, and the results speak for themselves."

Raj shared a stunning statistic: "This summer, 14 of the 18 university students we hired as health service aids at our hospital were former O² participants. That's not a coincidence. That's the power of giving young people real experience in healthcare."

The facility’s strength lies in its flexibility, with Martin and Raj’s dedication to ensuring each student receives the experience they want. Grade 10 students might spend a day job shadowing, while Grade 12 participants complete 80-hour placements across various departments in the hospital.

"We adapt to each student's needs and interests," Martin explained. "If a teacher emails us saying that a student has dreams of being a surgeon, we arrange OR time. If someone else wants to explore pharmacy, we make that happen. No two journeys look the same."

These diverse journeys make an impact across every department of the hospital. "Healthcare needs all kinds of talent," Martin said. "We've had students return to work in our kitchens right after graduating from high school. Others have joined our maintenance team. Every role matters in keeping the facility running smoothly."

Martin’s office at Colchester East Hants has become a haven for student participants, shared Raj: "When students need reference letters years later for scholarships or jobs, (Martin) can speak to their growth because he's been there from day one at our hospital."

The program provides more than career exploration – it offers valuable clarity. "We've had students realize hospital work wasn't for them," Martin shared. "That's just as important as inspiring future healthcare workers. It's better to discover that during a placement than after years of schooling." Raj agreed: "These experiences at our hospital help young people make informed choices about their futures."

What makes the O² partnership at Colchester East Hants stand out is the staff support behind it. "Every department in our hospital welcomes students with open arms, and we don't decline any placement requests," Raj said. "From emergency to psychiatry to dietary services, our teams understand they're not just hosting students for a day or a few months, they're potentially inspiring future colleagues."

Martin agreed, adding, "The nurses, doctors and support staff who mentor the high school students at Colchester East Hants are the unsung heroes of this partnership."

As the success of O² continues, Martin reflects on its legacy at the hospital. "We're seeing multiple generations of success stories here at Colchester East Hants," he says. "Former participants are now health professionals and are mentoring new students. That continuity is powerful."

With hundreds of students guided through the program at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre since 2010, the impact is clear. "Through challenging times for healthcare, this program represents hope," Raj said. "We're investing in our own community."

As that cycle continues, Martin and Raj's collection of thank-you notes continues to grow, each marking another seed planted for Nova Scotia Health’s future.

Photo of (L-R) Raj Makkar, Chloe Chisholm, Eve Taylor and Martin Fisher.