After three long years of hard work, the ADM students in MI, or the Medical Interventions class, are graduating from their PLTW program this April. The students have been in this program since they were freshmen. The program consists of three years and three different classes. The first year is a class called biomedical science, the next is human body systems, and the last class is medical interventions.  

“My favorite thing about MI this year was getting to learn about all the different types of cancer”, said student Jordan Crannell. “I know it’s like a sad topic, but I just find it really interesting to learn how many different types there are and how they work in your body.”

The students in Medical Interventions get to learn about lots of different medical topics, such as diseases, cures, treatments, equipment, and much more. The class is much more hands-on than some of the usual classes here at ADM, as students often take part in different experiments and activities. 

“They do different experiments with mycobacteria and different equipment like a micropipette; they become more comfortable with that,” said Mrs. Garcia, the teacher of Medical Interventions. “The other growth, I think, is talking about challenging topics like outbreaks and transmissions of diseases, pregnancy, and genetics. Talking about things that, unfortunately, cause pain, illness, and even death. But realizing that we can have a role in treating and preventing it.”

Medical Interventions teaches students much more than just about the human body and the healthcare system. Students also get to learn about working with others and how to discuss uncomfortable or difficult topics, as that will be a big part of their futures if they continue down this path. Medical school is not the simplest or easiest field, but the PLTW program does its best to prepare students who want to pursue that in the future.

“I’m really proud when I see that they’ve taken the commitment of three years to challenge themselves beyond the traditional science curriculum,” said Garcia. “It is challenging, but we also have some fun along the way, and it’s a momentous occasion to celebrate, especially since so many of them do continue in the medical field.”

The white coat symbolizes all of the hard work that the students have put into the program and their dedication to seeing it through. The classes have more difficult material than the other science or medical classes offered, so it is paced a little bit differently. There is more classwork that has to be done outside of class, which is not easy for everyone to manage. 

“I made it through a really hard chain of classes because overall the classes were very difficult, and I kept pushing through and deciding to do the next class,” said Crannell. “I’m very proud of myself, so I got a coat to symbolize that.”

The white coats are a very meaningful symbol in the medical world, as it is a symbol of status and accomplishment. It shows how hard the students have worked to get where they are today. This unique opportunity is special because it allows students to push themselves and further their learning for their futures. 

“My favorite part is just seeing them all in their white coats,” said Garcia. “It is such a striking image, and it shows the uniformity in their ideals. They are all individuals, but they are working towards the same common goal, and they are so proud. They wear those coats with honor, and just giant smiles on their faces.”