The Laredo Independent School District’s Little Medical School bestowed diplomas on their graduates during the Commencement Ceremony for the inaugural Class of 2023 at the LISD Performing Arts Center (PAC) in the Dennis Nixon Auditorium. The class of 2023 graduated 360 elementary and middle school students.
Wearing their white medical lab coats and stethoscopes in hand, the students were called on stage and congratulated by LISD board members Juan Ramirez and Veronica Orduno. The young medical students also posed for a picture with their instructors and were presented with their diplomas.
LISD board member Juan Ramirez addressed the students and congratulated them for their dedication and commitment to staying afterschool several times a week to complete the program. Chief of Laredo Fire Department Guillermo Heard, who was the guest speaker, offered words of encouragement and explained to the student that what they learned in the program are important lifesaving skills they can use even if they don’t go into the medical profession.
LISD continues to shape future leaders of South Texas with its partnership with the Little Medical School, a franchise geared toward educating school aged children through science, medicine, and health-based programs. Students from each LISD elementary and middle school had the opportunity to delve into the exciting world of healthcare by exploring the medical field by participating in the Little Medical School classes.
“As the world’s population continues to age, the need for skilled health professionals is increasing. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes by giving them insight on what professionals do daily,” LMS Coordinator Bianca Brewster said.
The Little Medical School is a 12-week afterschool program that focuses on the medical and health fields. The program was offered to 3rd through 8th grade students who met two or three times a week for a two-hour session afterschool. Students learned about different body systems, medical terminology, and life-saving skills. All programs offered are taught by experienced college students, certified nurses, and other medical professionals.
The program offers many hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations gave the students a visual understanding of what they are learning. The kids learned how to use medical instruments, administer first aid, and treat common sports injuries such as sprains. They were introduced to real tools, procedures, and processes used by doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and veterinarians.
“The classes provided students with skills or process training designed with grade appropriate techniques and varied content area topics for Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) fields through hands-on activities, role-play, and interactive demonstrations,” said Graciela Lopez RN, LISD Director of Nursing and Health Services. “Students had the opportunity to learn how to use medical instruments, administer first aid, treat common sports injuries such as sprains, and identify animal body language, amongst other things.”
Thanks to Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, students were introduced to real tools, procedures, and processes that medical professionals use and experience on the job. The program offers doctor, nursing, dental, sports medicine, wilderness medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary programs. Each little school has its own specific curriculum designed to educate and expose students to medicine, while building their confidence.
For more information, please contact the LISD Health Services Department at (956) 273-1250.