The Mini Medical College provides a 20-lesson medical education crash course to students in seven high schools across two states — and it's all run by a single man.
Richard Evans, MD, holds many titles, including clinical assistant professor, administrative director of robotic surgery, director of the bloodless medicine surgery program and director of the expert surgical second-opinion center at Valhalla-based New York Medical College. But perhaps his most interesting title is director of the Mini Medical College, Bon Secours Charity Health System in Suffern, N.Y.
The Mini Medical College was born out of Dr. Evans' desire to bring more students to the field.
"We should take inspiration from college sports, where scouts identify talent at the high school level," Dr. Evans told Becker's. "Healthcare needs to do the same—engage students early, cultivate their interest and provide opportunities for hands-on experience."
Dr. Evans launched the medical education program in 2017 and now interacts with 500 to 600 students per year. It is free to schools and students, and provides a series of 20 lectures and hands-on workshops. Unlike other initiatives, the Mini Medical School meets exclusively in the high school classroom where Dr. Evans hopes to expose all kids to healthcare careers, not just those who already show an interest.
"My goal was to go into schools and introduce all students to the medical field, sparking an interest in those who may never have thought about it before," Dr. Evans said. "This program helps level the playing field and gives students exposure they might not otherwise have. I want to remove barriers and make it as accessible as possible for the students."
The lectures are designed to align with content students are already learning in school and apply it to real-world medicine. But Dr. Evans also provides students with opportunities to test their hands at medical practices.
"I teach them how to perform history and physical exams, [and] read CAT scans, X-rays and MRIs," he said. "They also learn how to suture, tie surgical knots and use medical instruments such as those used in endoscopy, bladder stone removal and kidney stone extraction. We cover taking vital signs and understanding the anatomy and physiology behind these skills."
The course also aims to expose students to a range of provider opportunities, and even introduces students to administrative roles.
The results? High school teachers reported a number of outcomes after students completed the Mini Medical College, including improved critical thinking skills and understanding of science. Exit surveys also found many students who started undecided for career or college majors consider careers in healthcare after the course.
Dr. Evans said he hopes to do Mini Medical College full time as he steps away from administrative work. He has his sights set on inner-city schools where healthcare education is "often limited."
He's also looking to build a team of retired physicians who want to teach and mentor the next generation.
"Many retired doctors miss the connection to medicine and would love an opportunity to give back," he said. "This could provide a second career phase for them while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals."