This summer, 38 enthusiastic students gathered at Samuel Merritt University for the FACES Summer Medical Academy, a two-week immersive experience designed for high school students to explore their passion for the medical field. This year’s program was packed with opportunities for hands-on learning, professional certification, and personal growth.
Throughout the academy, students earned three crucial professional certifications: Mental Health First Aid, Opioid Overdose Intervention, and Stop the Bleed. These certifications equipped them with essential skills to respond to real-life emergencies and care for individuals in need. Students delved into hands-on medical skills, including suturing, taking vital signs, intubation, IV placement, and much more. They also paid a visit to SMU’s Gross Anatomy Lab, where students explored the intricate workings of the human body up close.
The hands-on learning was complemented with an emphasis on the social aspects of care, as students engaged in conversations about medical ethics, living with disability, and cultural competency. This shaped a more holistic view of healthcare, emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding in patient care.
In addition to the technical skills, students were exposed to a wide range of healthcare professions. They had the unique opportunity to engage directly with healthcare professionals, gaining insights into different career paths and the day-to-day realities of working in the medical field. These interactions provided invaluable context and inspiration as students consider their future roles in healthcare.
FSMA was more than just a learning experience; it was an opportunity for students to connect with peers who share their passion for medicine in activities that fostered collaboration, communication, and problem solving. As these future healthcare professionals continue their journey, they carry with them the invaluable experiences and lessons learned during their time at the FACES Summer Medical Academy.
Here’s what some of our students had to say!
“FSMA was a life changing experience that really advanced my interest in the medical field. The combination of learning hands on skills and lectures helped me get a deeper understanding of medicine.”
“The FSMA provided exposure to so many different career fields and to many different styles of learning in healthcare. I learned that I can be a leader when I need to be and that I am ready to go into a career in the medical field.”
“Not many programs provide such experiences within this short span of time, but I learned so many things I could never experience without FSMA. I learned so much that will prepare me for my future. Most high schoolers don’t have this opportunity so I am extremely grateful.”
A big thank you to the guest presenters, trainers, clinicians, and Samuel Merritt University Staff who helped make the 2024 FACES Summer Medical Academy happen. We couldn’t have done it without you.
