The Medical Interventions course is a capstone course for students on the health, science, and medical technology PLTW pathway. It offers an interactive, hands-on approach to understanding how medical professionals diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
“It’s different from traditional stem classes. The students are not just learning the hypotheticals and the book work but they’re actually applying it and then utilizing those skills with real world scenarios,” said Medical Intervention teacher Maria White.
Hands-on Experience
The Medical Intervention class follows an approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to gain applicable experience. By working through real-world scenarios, they cultivate problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability. These traits are essential in the ever-evolving field of STEM.
“The medical intervention class has helped refine my lab skills. It has given me experience in genetic testing, emphasizing the importance of following all necessary procedures. It has also taught me how to accurately collect data and then measure it to draw conclusions,” said Allya Mukherjee (‘25).
Through practical labs and comprehensive coursework, students interested in the medical field get encouragement to explore a wide range of career paths. Beyond acquiring medical skills and knowledge, they engage in practical labs with peers, honing key professional abilities.
“I’ve become even more interested in the medical field, and I plan to continue exploring the many different medical-related career options in college. I got hands-on experience with suturing wounds on a fake skin pad, and it was cool to practice a skill that real surgeons have,” said Winona Shih (‘25).
Building Careers
The Medical Interventions class has proved useful for students beyond their high school career, equipping them with foundational knowledge that help in pursuing careers in the medical field. The knowledge learned in this course can give them a competitive advantage in college and the workforce.
“I had a student from last year [who] was telling me that [his professors or teacher assistants] were shocked with the fact that he knew how to do immunology labs and had worked with the specific equipment we had worked with because those are so expensive. They put him on the radar because [his] basic skills were bounds ahead of most other people,” said White.
Working as a Team
Through labs and daily classwork, students constantly experience collaborative activities with their peers, fostering teamwork and effective communication. These experiences not only enhance their understanding of course material but also prepare them for challenges in professional environments.
“The biggest lesson I’ll carry forward from MI is the importance of collaboration within a team. Whether working in a lab or in a hospital, teamwork will be a crucial skill to have to succeed and help patients,” said Shih.
