Gerald Donowitz, MD, (far right) with the medical students who helped facilitate the hands-only CPR training in small groups with the middle schoolers. (Photo by Maya Hagander)
The UVA School of Medicine’s Office of Medical Science Outreach and UVA Health’s Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes collaborated with Albemarle County Public Schools to host students from four middle schools in October and November to support their seventh-grade job shadowing field trips.
During their visit, the middle schoolers had the opportunity to visit UVA’s Clinical Performance Education Center, which includes the Clinical Skills Center, the Medical Simulation Center, and the Surgical Skills Training Center.
David Moyer, DC, talking to middle school students about equipment used in the Anatomy lab.
In the School of Medicine Anatomy Lab, students met with David Moyer, DC, assistant professor of medical education, to learn about donorship and cadaver dissections. “Welcoming bright, inquisitive middle school students into the world of anatomy and surgical training was an unforgettable experience,” stated Dr. Moyer. “Seeing their awe as they explored a real human heart and brain reinforced the impact of anatomical body donation in sparking curiosity, honoring generosity, and inspiring the next generation of compassionate caregivers.”
In another interactive session, students visited the Medical Simulation Center to learn about simulation technology’s role in medical education, culminating with hands-only CPR training led by Gerald “Jerry” Donowitz, MD, professor emeritus in the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health.
“The students’ enthusiasm and interest in participating in the CPR session, as well as their understanding that they could, in fact, help someone in need, was the best part of the morning,” Dr. Donowitz said.
The field trips also included a tour of the Medical Communications Center to learn about UVA’s 9-1-1 Center and “career speed dating,” where students learned about various careers in medicine and science.
Thank you to all the UVA School of Medicine faculty, staff, and medical and biomedical sciences students who made these visits successful learning experiences for the middle school students and their chaperones.
Photos by Coe Sweet.
-
- Faculty and staff meet with students in small groups to discuss medical training opportunities.
-
- Middle school students doing hands-only CPR training with Gerald Donowitz, MD.