Prospective health care providers and employers from throughout the state filled The Vail in Wichita with enthusiasm and conversation during the 2023 Kansas Career Opportunities (KCO) Health Career Fair on Sept. 26.

The 27th annual event began with an engaging panel discussion, “Life as a Provider in Rural Kansas,” up Mosley Street at Distillery 244 Old Town, with more than a hundred in attendance. Led by the dean of KU School of Medicine-Wichita, Dr. Garold Minns, the panel included Dr. Scott Coates, Dr. Cecilia Hinton, Eric Flores, PA-C, and Dr. David Guernsey. Panelists answered questions, shared why they chose to practice in rural Kansas and discussed what it’s like working in underserved communities.

The largest health care career fair in the state, KCO is an annual event for rural and under-served health care facilities in Kansas, attended by resident physicians, medical students, physician assistant students, nursing students and behavioral health students. A total of 178 participants and guests attended this year’s KCO in Wichita. Rural Health Education and Services, a division of the University of Kanas Medical Center, organizes and hosts the annual events. The generous contributions of platinum supporters Hays Med and Hutchinson Clinic made this year’s event possible.

“Rural Health Education and Services’ goal is to increase access to quality health care by advancing the health care workforce in Kansas. KCO career fair is another way for us to connect health care job seekers with the hospitals and clinics who need them,” said Laurie Scott, KCO coordinator for Rural Health Education and Services. “For students, KCO can be the difference between finding a job vs. your dream job after graduation.”

For the first time, Rural Health Education and Services will host a second KCO event this year. The Oct. 26 event in Salina provides an opportunity for health care employers to network with the students from the KU School of Nursing and KU School of Medicine in Salina. Anyone in healthcare is welcome to attend as well.

Exhibitor registration for KCO Salina is full.