Transitioning from adolescence to adulthood can be challenging, but the Montreal’s Children’s Hospital is offering a valuable program to support young individuals aged 14 to 18 in this journey. The Pediatric-Adult Transition Hub (PATH-ETAP) is a two-week initiative designed to help participants prepare for the adult world.
Nathan Renaud Beaudin, a program participant, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to work at the hospital, stating, “If I have one job in my life, I’m gonna work (at the hospital).” Nathan is gaining experience by apprenticing at the hospital’s library, assisting at the reception, and supporting patients and their families.
The program, now in its second year, is free and welcomes the wider community. It specifically caters to teenagers who have encountered obstacles related to health, disability, or disrupted education paths.
Elisa Nguyen, a transition consultant at PATH-ÉTAP, shared her observations on the participants’ growth and development throughout the program. She highlighted the increase in confidence and practical skills among teens, with many reporting feeling more self-assured in tasks like email communication by the end of the two weeks.
During a workshop, Dr. Gabriel Kuper, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon resident at Montreal University Hospital Centre (MUHC), recounted his personal journey to medical school, inspiring the teens with his perseverance and determination. Dr. Kuper emphasized the importance of realizing that everyone has their unique path to success and encouraged them to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
