Connect2STEM helps students explore health care fields
College of Medicine – Phoenix’s community education program allows for hands-on learning.
Students from Phoenix’s Estrella Middle School learned what it’s like to be in health care through the Connect2STEM program, courtesy of U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix medical students like Noah Shulkin, at right.
Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications.
Among the activities Estrella Middle School students engaged in as part of the Connect 2 STEM program was interacting with manikins.
Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications
The patient groaned softly, seemingly confused by the throng of people ringing the hospital bed.
“Who are you?” he asked.
Davin Benitez leaned in and spoke directly into his right ear, “I’m your doctor.”
“I don’t feel good,” the patient warned.
At that point, the retching started. Luckily, this was a simulated event. The patient was a manikin, and Davin is a 13-year-old with dreams of being a doctor for real one day.
“I just want to help people,” said Davin, explaining his interest in medicine.
He was one of 32 eighth-graders from Estrella Middle School in Phoenix who visited the Center for Simulation and Innovation at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to participate in Connect2STEM, a collaboration between the University of Arizona Health Sciences and the city of Phoenix that is funded by the Gila River Indian Community. The program is designed to introduce youngsters to the medical field through hands-on experiences led by U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix students.
It's also a way to familiarize teens with the school.
“The University of Arizona is not just a higher academic institution but an important community resource,” said Caroline Berger, director of corporate and community relations for the U of A Health Sciences. “Our goal is to make a difference not just today but the next day. We want to continue the learning.”
Doctors for a day
After slipping on white doctor’s coats, students had the chance to use ultrasound machines, see what it’s like to perform laparoscopic surgery and conduct an eye exam. They even got a crash course in CPR.
Second-year medical student Sophie Nguyen walked students through the proper way to splint as well as administer CPR.
Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications
Second-year medical students Sophie Nguyen and Hannah Lynch explained how to perform the life-saving procedure. Once the basics were out of the way, Nguyen cranked the song “Baby Shark” on her cellphone so students could practice chest compressions to the beat.
“If you start CPR before the ambulance gets there, you’re the best chance to save that person’s life,” Lynch said.
As part of “mini” med school, the U of A students explained how to properly splint arms, legs and fingers; how to listen to the heart and lungs through a stethoscope; and demonstrated how to craft a set of model lungs from balloons and an empty soda bottle.
“This is incredible, and the level of engagement is heartwarming,” said Eric Rogers, a music therapist and counselor who coordinates field trips for Estrella. “I’m jealous this wasn’t around when I was in school.”
Second-year medical student Wyatt Comin, who showed the eighth graders how to properly use a stethoscope, said he also would have loved the hands-on experience at that age. He said it was important for him to participate in the program to hopefully inspire others to go into health care.
“I feel no one is in medical school without getting a helping hand from someone along the way,” Comin said. “It’s early, but planting that idea, sharing the spark and excitement with them, is really rewarding.”