Brody 8th Grade Visits DMU

On Wednesday, December 3^rd 23 Brody 8^th graders went to medical school – at least for a day. The Des Moines University (DMU) chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) has been working this fall with Brody staff to extend students’ curriculum beyond the classroom.

In early November, SNMA members visited Ms. Lund and Mr. Parsons’ science classes to share first-hand what it’s like to be a medical student, right down to the preserved organs. Over the next month, nearly 30 students were identified between Ms. Lund, Mr. Parsons, and Mr. Scott-Tunkin, who the three felt were fascinated by the presentation and would want to go a step further (plus didn’t faint).

The 23 8^th graders acted as inquirers; working through a case study alongside the DMU students, touring a brain research lab, and prepping for surgery. All the while, students learned just what it takes to enter most medical schools. It may be a few years off, but now might be a good time to try and get an appointment with one of these future doctors.