Last Friday, the Department of Neuroscience hosted an interprofessional outreach event for senior high school students enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Metro Career Tech Center.
Approximately 45 students from various high schools in central Arkansas visited UAMS for a one-day immersive experience to explore various healthcare careers. Faculty, staff, and student volunteers from four UAMS colleges, representing 15 programs and departments, came together to provide these students with unique simulation and educational experiences, exposing them to interdisciplinary healthcare careers and situations.
Students toured the SIM center and experienced three simulations led by interprofessional teams: Run a Code, Trauma Intake, and Field Trauma (Stop the Bleed and AED). Students then went to the Clinical Skills Center to participate in three of nine different history and physical and ultrasound exam simulations based on their area of interest. UAMS faculty and students across multiple disciplines worked together as actors and standardized patients to provide the students with realistic, hands-on, experiences.
For lunch, students sat down for a Q&A with clinical faculty and students as well as administrative staff from the programs and departments that most interested them.
Finally, students rotated through hands-on educational stations led by medical students including experiences in the Gross Anatomy Teaching Lab, hands-on ultrasound practice, and the opportunity to learn about the Anatomical Gift Program.
The Medical Professions Instructor who leads the Medical Assistant program at Metro Career Tech Center, Ms. Cynthia Booker, had wonderful feedback about the event:
“Your team’s dedication, professionalism, and willingness to share their expertise created an unforgettable learning environment. The experience brought real-world application to the classroom experience—bridging the gap between theory and practice in a way that truly resonated with my students. They left feeling inspired, informed, and motivated to pursue their goals and discover their passion in healthcare with greater purpose. They literally started clapping and praising you and your team, saying “This was the best educational field trip they’ve ever experienced” Thank you for your time, effort, and hospitality (including lunch) in making this event such a success. I’m certain it will leave a lasting impression on our future healthcare professionals.”
We are so grateful to Metro Career Tech Center, Ms. Cynthia Booker, and all the incredible volunteers who made this event possible and hope to host similar events in the future.
