Lillian Davis explains for other students linked by videoconference a video made by the Brookfield Middle School students who participated in the Cleveland Clinic’s Adventures in Health Science and Medicine program.
Lillie Toth came into the Cleveland Clinic’s Adventures in Health Science and Medicine with an interest in pharmacy or orthodontics.
“Since I’ve been doing Cleveland Clinic more, I’ve gotten more into the pharmacy, because I’ve thought about the different ways you can help people,” the Brookfield Middle School student said at the end of the 10-week program.
About 30 students were selected from the eighth-grade class to participate. Through a videconference link in Melanie Horn’s classroom, the students followed a patient through the illness diagnosis and treatment process. They studied medical specialties such as radiology and physical therapy; examined the function of organs; and learned about medical pioneers.
The class was a mixture of lecture, book learning and hands-on activities.
As a class-ending project, the students were tasked with coming up with a solution to the problem of an asthmatic not knowing their inhaler had run out or expired, and created a video addressing their solution.
They also watched and graded other schools’ final projects.
Several students said they were drawn to the class, because they knew they would be studying asthma.
“I know a lot of people struggle with (asthma), and I’d just like to help find a cure for it,” said Lillian Davis.
Lillian said she is not interested in entering the medical field, but the class brought her to feel more strongly that she would like to choose a career where she can help people.
“I’ve always thought about going into helping rescue people,” Lillian said. “When I got older, I wanted to do something with deep sea rescue and help people with their problems.”
Reanna Reardon said she wants to become a cosmetologist, but studying another profession was worth the effort.
“This was just kind of to see if I was interested in something else,” she said.
Student Eric Hudson, a photographer and videographer, appreciated the chance to put together the video.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity to get some practice in,” he said.
The students recommended that this year’s seventh-graders participate in the class next year, if they are offered the chance.
“You’ll definitely have fun,” Lillian said.
