M.O.O.N Program

Medical Observation Opportunity Network

The M.O.O.N Program exposes high school students to Physician and Advanced Practice Provider (APP) career options through observation of various practitioners in the office setting, inpatient/outpatient areas, and in the operating room.

These observations are accompanied by hands-on activities, panel discussions, and other great learning experiences!

The 2026 M.O.O.N. Program will be held July 13-17, 2026.

Program Features

  • Free week long program for high school students.
  • Program agenda may include:
    • Realistic view of Career Pathways & Educational Requirements for Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, and other Healthcare Professionals.
    • Simulation and Skills Lab.
    • Multiple Shadowing Rounds with Physicians and collaborating Advanced Practice Providers (APPs).
    • Healthcare Provider Panel Discussion and Question & Answer Session.
    • M.O.O.N Program Graduation.

Participation Requirements:

  • Minimum age of 16 (at time of program start – July 13, 2026).

  • High School Student (at time of application).

  • Participants are responsible for providing and/or securing valid and reliable transportation* during program hours (7:45 am to 4:00 pm)

    NOTE: Participants may be scheduled to travel to different campuses and locations throughout the day.

To apply for this program, please complete all of the steps outlined below.

  1. Complete an Online Application for the 2026 M.O.O.N. Program.

    • Application Guidelines: You must complete the entire application (including essays) at one time. Applications cannot be saved and returned to at a later date.
    • Please Complete the Required Essay BEFORE starting the application:
      • Minimum 500-word essay.
      • Typed and double-spaced.
      • Must submit as a .pdf or .docx file.
      • Answer BOTH of the following questions:
        1. Please describe why you are interested in the St. Elizabeth M.O.O.N. Program
        2. Share how your experiences and accomplishments have prepared you for participation.
  1. Upload the essay at the time of the application.
  2. After completing the online application, please secure TWO (2) individuals who can provide a recommendation on your behalf. The automated email you receive upon submitting your application outlines who qualifies to submit an ONLINE RECOMMENDATION on your behalf. Please send your individuals the following link: Online Recommendation Form.

Application Information:

Additional Information:

  • For those selected to be participants in the 2026 M.O.O.N. program, the following will be required prior to the start of the program:

    • Immunizations (see below)
    • Consent forms
    • Onboarding/Orientation
Workforce Development

NOTE:

For information about additional programs and opportunities, please visit the workforce development website by clicking the green button in this box. 

Workforce Development

Program planning and support is provided by Dr. Ryan Moon, M.D., and our valued associates throughout St. Elizabeth Physicians and St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

Ensuring the safety of our patients, associates, M.O.O.N. participants, and our community is our priority at St. Elizabeth. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to make modifications to our program, up to and including cancellation.

Immunizations Required:
Documents are required to originate from a healthcare provider:

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis [Tdap or DTaP]. Must have received AFTER 2005.
  • Two dose series MMR [Measles, mumps, and rubella] OR therapeutic blood titers.
  • Two does series Varicella OR documented proof of having had Chickenpox disease OR therapeutic blood titer.
  • Tuberculosis [TB] Screening dated AFTER July 17, 2025. Test options include:
  • Negative reading of a TB Skin Test (one-step or two-stop acceptable)
OR
  • Negative TB Blood Test: Accepted tests are…
    • QuantiFERON® – TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus)
    • T-SPOT® TB test (T-Spot)

2025 M.O.O.N. Program

St. Elizabeth hosted 20 students from 12 regional high schools for this edition of the M.O.O.N. Program. In 2025, this is what some past M.O.O.N. participants wrote about this five-day learning experience:

“The simulation lab was very informative and gave us practice for situations that may be experienced in the hospital setting. The staff was super helpful and definitely looked like they wanted to be there.”

M.O.O.N Program Student

“Seeing robots operate in the OR was incredible. Dr. Satterwhite was one of the most caring and passionate doctors I had the privilege of shadowing.”

M.O.O.N Program Student

“The panel discussion was possibly my favorite part of the week! It was incredible to hear advice from those who have succeeded in the field we all desire to contribute to!”

M.O.O.N Program Student

“I absolutely loved shadowing Dr. Vormbrock, and she is the one who sparked my interest as an OB and in family medicine.”

M.O.O.N Program Student

“I felt like the doctors I shadowed did a great job  answering any questions I had. They wanted to make me excited about their specialty. These doctors chosen for shadowing were a great fit for the M.O.O.N. Program.”

M.O.O.N Program Student

“I am beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity. I will never forget this program and the insight it has given me to shape my future. Thank you to everyone who put this magnificent program together to give us a way into medicine as high school students.”

M.O.O.N Program Student

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