Little Medical School gives North Allegheny students hands-on intro to profession

Gifted middle school students in the North Allegheny School District were able to get a hands-on demonstration of the work that physicians do during an event dubbed the Little Medical School.

The district partnered with the UPMC Passavant Foundation to host the May 17 gathering in the Ponce Room at the Baierl Center for students in the gifted programs at Carson, Ingomar and Marshall middle schools.

“I loved learning so much about ourselves, and a medical career sounds very interesting,” said eighth-grader Owen Grbach.

Sadie Kim, who is also in eighth grade, agreed.

“Little Med School allowed me to learn hands-on and it was a blast,” she said. “The staff was extremely kind and energetic and I learned a lot.”

The class was conducted by Dr. Kristen Lin, who has children attending North Allegheny.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to offer students the opportunity to learn more about the medical field from professionals in the industry,” said Dana Boyd, who coordinated the program. “I’d like to thank the UPMC Passavant Foundation for sponsoring the event, and give a special thanks to Dr. Lin for being a fountain of knowledge and an extraordinary instructor.”

During the program, students had the opportunity to learn how to use a stethoscope to listen to hearts and lungs, discuss the organs involved in digestion and practice medical techniques including suturing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the Heimlich maneuver and how to take vital signs.

The students also were able to practice drawing up medicine and “injecting” it, as well as how to manage snake bites, apply a splint, use a tourniquet and other medical procedures.

“I am very glad that I got to participate in this event,” said eighth grader Madison Emekter. “It really expanded my knowledge in the medical field and I am excited to share the new knowledge that I learned.”