Exploring the Medical Field

“It was a hot summer morning. A man contacted the police to report that he was worried about his next door neighbor, a woman named Anna. He tried to call Anna on the telephone, but no one answered. Both the police and an EMT arrived at the scene. The EMT soon determined that Anna was dead….”

So what happened to Anna? That will be the job of Windsor Central High School students to determine beginning in September in a new course, Principles of Biomedical Science.

Students will have to investigate the scene, analyze DNA, and study the science and body systems behind diseases that may have played a role in Anna’s death.

“We want to establish connections in all vocations in the medical field and help students get a leg up on college-level anatomy and physiology,” said Jeff Nolan, who will teach the course, along with Kristen Vaseleck.

The District added the course to the high school curriculum after meeting with United Health Services. The health care provider has 500 jobs unfilled in Broome County. UHS will partner with the District by assisting in connecting the workplace to curriculum. The health care provider will also either host students for on-site visits, have professionals in the medical field visit the class, or both.

“The partnership with UHS will allow us to offer a higher level of experience to our students. We need to let kids know what opportunities exist in the medical field, and expose them to what jobs are available at UHS,” said Windsor CSD Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Scott Beattie. “Hopefully this leads to employment here in the local area.”

“There is nothing else like this course. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in working as a doctor, nurse, technician, or another position in the medical field. The course will run students through initial assessments, lab work, radiology, diagnosis and treatment,” said Nolan.

There is no grade level assigned to this course, though it is tailored to students who have already taken biology.

“I think it’s going to be a great challenge. It’s new, it’s practical, and it’s project-based. Kids will enjoy going through the tough material,” said Nolan.

Scheduling for courses in the 2019-20 school year is now underway, so students and their parents interested in registering should contact their guidance counselor.

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