Newsroom

High school students experience real-world learning

July 17, 2014 • Integrative Physiology and Anatomy, Physical Therapy, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

High school students experience real-world learning

Freshman high school students from the Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences earned white coats recently in a ceremony culminating their week-long learning experience on the UNT Health Science Center campus.

TABS students can earn dual credit as they prepare for higher education in the health sciences. The program is a collaboration among UNTHSC, the Fort Worth Independent School District, the University of North Texas and Tarrant County College.

The TABS Summer Bridge Program at UNTHSC gave the 100 young people a true taste of:

•     Medical/graduate school

•     Active science research in a laboratory setting

•     The health science center environment

This year, the schedule included instruction on human anatomy and demonstrations in the Anatomy Laboratory, instruction and hands-on practice in suturing, instruction about the field of physical therapy and active participation in PT exercises and wheelchair use, tours of UNTHSC research laboratories, and more.

Helping mentor the high school kids were Health Science Center students from the Physical Therapy Department, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

 “It was one of my best choices ever, and I will never forget it,” said 14-year-old Yesenia Serrato. “I now know I want a career in the medical field.”

She especially enjoyed the practical work. “It was way more than books. I loved learning to make sutures and being in the Anatomy Lab,” Yesenia said. “One of the grad students said he never was in an anatomy lab until he hit graduate school.”

Eight UNTHSC faculty members provided instruction and laboratory experiences. Twenty-five UNTHSC students assisted as young role models in health professions.

“We’re pleased to give the young students insight into the everyday activities at a health science center and what it would be like to pursue a health career,” said TABS Coordinator Rustin Reeves, PhD, Vice Chair of Integrative Physiology and Anatomy.