Jubilee San Antonio Academy GEAR UP and ACE Student learns suturing techniques on a suturing pad skin model led by Dr. Marco Mascorro. Photo by Ramon Perez
San Antonio, Texas.
In a vibrant learning atmosphere filled with excitement, Jubilee GEAR UP and ACE Students’ eyes widen with curiosity and wonder around human anatomy models to work on a simulated organ removal surgery. Going above and beyond classroom instruction, these Jubilee students are excited to identify human organs, record body vital signs such as checking blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rates, and simulate suturing an open wound, as they would in a real-world setting. These medical activities gave students the experience of what it takes to become the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Jubilee Academies’ GEAR UP and ACE Programs joined forces with the College 1st Program to launch an immersive Health Professions CAMP initiative across all Jubilee campuses in Brownsville, Harlingen, Kingsville, and San Antonio. This initiative was designed to expose GEAR UP and ACE students to the world of healthcare careers by fostering hands-on learning experiences, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork, allowing students to explore medical professions while developing essential interpersonal skills. These Health Professions CAMPs are led by doctors of medicine going into their residency, current medical students, and college students, providing expert guidance and insights to pursue a medical career pathway.
"My experience was great because I learned about Health Professions!" mentioned River Weilbacher, Jubilee Highland Hills Elementary Student. "This is really inspiring students to be doctors when they grow up!"
Jubilee Highland Hills Academy GEAR UP and ACE Students learn to measure blood pressure.
Photo by Ivan Aguillon
Students learned about various medical careers through an interactive CAMP presentation. These sessions introduced students to different specialties, providing insights into the roles and responsibilities of each medical profession. Students discovered the critical work of Cardiologists, who diagnose and treat heart conditions. They learned about Gastroenterologists, specialists in digestive health. They also learned about Neurologists focusing on brain and nervous system disorders. These Health Professions CAMPs helped broaden students' understanding of the wide range of medical careers and highlighted the potential rewards of pursuing a career in the healthcare industry.
"I learned about different careers in medicine, and how I can be a doctor in the future!" said Kelton Arkaide, Jubilee San Antonio Middle School Student.
Jubilee GEAR UP and ACE Students identify organs on a 9-inch human anatomical model.
Photo by Ramon Perez
Students participated in hands-on activities where they learned basic suturing techniques using silicon skin pad models, allowing them to practice this essential surgical skill in a realistic setting. Under the watchful eyes of experienced medical graduates, they carefully threaded needles through simulated skin tissue, gaining confidence and precision with each stitch. This activity familiarized them with an essential medical procedure and instilled a sense of accomplishment and readiness for future healthcare endeavors. In addition to suturing, students explored the field of physical therapy, where they learned how they help patients regain mobility after an injury, improving their quality of life. These CAMP experiences opened students’ eyes to the health professions’ diverse and rewarding career opportunities.
"I would recommend this to other students because it’s a really great time to be here—it also helps you learn about being a vet or any type of doctor," said Harper McLendon, Jubilee Highland Hills Elementary Student. "It makes you ask the question, 'Do you really want to go to college?'"
Jubilee Highland Hills Academy GEAR UP and ACE Students learn how to carefully listen to heartbeats using a stethoscope. Photo by Ivan Aguillon.
Students were also introduced to cutting-edge surgical techniques incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced machinery to assist doctors in performing complex medical procedures. Through interactive demonstrations, they learned how robotic surgery enhances precision in surgery, reduces recovery times, and improves patient outcomes. This technology empowers surgeons to operate with greater accuracy and control, making minimal invasive surgeries possible and allowing patients to recover faster. This exposure to modern technology in the medical field fascinated the students and highlighted the continuous advancements shaping the future of healthcare.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that healthcare jobs will experience significantly higher growth compared to the average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033, with approximately 1.9 million job openings projected each year on average, driven primarily by employment growth. Certain healthcare professions are projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with nurse practitioners expected to see a 46% increase and physician assistants a 28% rise. These significant growth predictions underscore the importance of early exposure to medical careers for students, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their future career choices.
“These CAMPs help me for my future because I want to become a nurse!” said Elle Gallegos, Jubilee Westwood Elementary Student. “It keeps me focused to prepare to be the best nurse in the world!”
Jubilee Academies GEAR UP and ACE Students learn how to properly check a patient’s temperature using an infrared digital thermometer. Photo by Ramon Perez
The Jubilee Academies GEAR UP and ACE Programs, working in collaboration with the College 1st Program, are paving the way for the next generation of healthcare professionals. Early student exposure to medical professions is crucial to the U.S. Healthcare industry pipeline, as it is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Through this joint initiative, Jubilee GEAR UP and ACE students are given an advantage in exploring the health professions industry at an early age, ensuring they have more time to prepare for their transition into post-secondary education to pursue a career of their choice.
For more information about Jubilee Academies GEAR UP and ACE Program please call them at (210) 333-6227 or visit their website at www.jubileeacademies.org. College 1st is a joint initiative implemented in partnership with visionary leaders from school districts, education service centers, and post-secondary institutions across the State of Texas to empower students for college, career, and life success. For more details about the program, please visit our website at www.College1st.org or call us at 1-877-499-8544.
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