MedQuest

MedQuest is a health career exploration camp designed to encourage high school students to choose careers in rural healthcare. Each camp has a large variety of activities. There are too many to fully list, and we haven't finalized every piece of the agenda yet, but students at both Frontier and Rural MedQuest can expect:

• 4 job shadows at the local hospital and clinics
• A trip to the fire department to learn hands-on healthcare skills
• Participating in high-fidelity simulations
• A Diagnosis Day activity where the students will follow a simulated patient through different departments at the hospital and learn about different careers
• A Mental Health First Aid training
• A variety of presentations about healthcare careers
• Taking home their own suture kits and stethoscopes
• Recreation activities (these vary camp to camp but include mini-golf at Rural MedQuest and a trip to the Crane Hot Springs at Frontier MedQuest)

The 2026 MedQuest application will open in January or February. For MQ Day Camp, organizations may reach out to NEOAHEC at any time to begin planning.

MedQuest is FREE in 2026 thanks to funding from the Oregon Health Authority!

To attend MedQuest, each student needs to complete the following: application, acceptance packet, TB testing (Rural MedQuest only), sign releases & consents, and respond to all other requests in a timely manner. These items will vary camp to camp. NEOAHEC will communicate with you via email, so make sure you are checking your inbox regularly.

We get it—there’s a lot. But here’s the deal: this program is free for you because it’s funded by organizations that believe in you and your future. In order to keep offering it (and keep it free), we have to show our funders who’s coming, what you’re learning, and how it’s making a difference. Every form you fill out helps us do that. So yes, it’s a lot—but it’s also part of what makes this experience possible. Thanks for sticking with it!

Frontier MedQuest and Rural MedQuest are largely the same! They take place in different communities (Crane/Burns and La Grande), and Rural is a bigger camp. The activities are similar, but they are tailored to the communities that host them. The main reason for having two events is because Rural MedQuest can't support as many people as are interested, so a second event was created to accommodate more students.

Frontier is a smaller camp, 25 students instead of 50, but it's just as full of exciting activities unique to the region--but tailored to Harney County! Students will stay in the Crane Union High School dorms, spend time in Burns, visit the Crane Hot Springs, and so much more!

If you are nervous for a large summer camp, Frontier MedQuest might be a good choice! Feel free to apply to both using the same essay and reference letter, if you'd like.

Rural MedQuest began in 1994, and Frontier and MQ Day Camp in 2023. MQ Day camp is new in 2025! During the pandemic, MedQuest was virtual.

There are no prerequisites for applying to camp and it is open to all Oregon high school students, including those graduating this summer. The acceptance process is based on a variety of things, but largely depends on the essay question and the letter of reference. We also give preference to students who are from more rural areas and who are closer to graduating high school (because they will not have another chance to attend).

There are three MedQuest camps each year: Rural, Frontier, and The Gorge. MQ Day Camps are offered to communities that request them.

Rural MedQuest is held in June and Frontier MedQuest is in July. MQ Day Camps are scheduled on a case-by-case basis.

Rural MedQuest is held in La Grande and Frontier MedQuest is in Burns. MQ Day Camps are normally held in La Grande.

Each student is expected to participate in the entirety of camp--students are not allowed to leave early or skip activities.

To be a camp counselor, please fill out a camp counselor application. Ideally, counselors are on the path to a health career, though all candidates will be considered.

TB testing is required before any participant of Rural MedQuest may enter a hospital during MedQuest. The process takes a couple of weeks, so be prepared to have this done before camp.

For more information about MedQuest, you can also subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram if you'd like to see updates.

The schedule for MedQuest is pretty full from 8am-9:30pm each day. There are breaks for meals plus free time scheduled into most days. Students would be able to contact home during free time, and in the mornings and evenings, before/after scheduled activities. Bedtime is about 10pm.

Students are allowed to carry their cell phones, but they may not use them during activities (with some exceptions). They are allowed them during breaks and free time.

Once a student is accepted into camp, we will provide a packing list. It includes bedding, clothes for all weather conditions, toiletries, and a few other items. Do not bring anything valuable.

MedQuest is busy, but a lot of fun. It gives students an idea on whether the healthcare field is right for them, allows them to connect with other students with similar interests from around the state, and there's lots of recreation mixed in with the healthcare stuff. Students at the La Grande camp get to play mini golf at Riverside Greens!