When Stephen Wanjala, M.D., walked into The Vail in downtown Wichita last fall, he wasn’t expecting to find his next career move. But after a conversation with representatives from HaysMed and a subsequent visit to the facility, that’s exactly what happened. 

Wanjala, who had just completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita, joined HaysMed this summer. His story isn’t unusual. 

“Connections are made at KCO regularly,” said Joyce Grayson, director of Rural Health Education and Services, the group that has organized the Kansas Career Opportunities (KCO) Health Care Career Fair for the past 28 years. 

Each year, the fair draws resident physicians, medical students and job seekers from across the state. It’s a chance to meet one-on-one with health care organizations serving rural and underserved communities — an opportunity that can lead to first jobs, career changes or simply a better understanding of what’s possible. 

Rural Health Education and Services will host KCO fairs in three cities this fall: 

• KCO–Wichita: Oct. 2 at The Vail by Hotel at Old Town 

• KCO–Salina: Oct. 30 at the KU School of Medicine–Salina Health Education Center 

• KCO–Kansas City: Nov. 5 at Boulevard Brewing Company 

Participants can register to attend online now, but spaces for exhibitors are filling up fast. Last year’s Wichita fair drew more than 200 candidates, a 17 percent increase from 2023. Salina will host for the third year running, while Kansas City will continue its casual meet-and-greet format at Boulevard Brewing Company. 

Whether you’re searching for your first position or your next, KCO offers a chance to connect with communities across Kansas and discover where your career might take you. 

Learn more about the largest health care career fair in Kansas!