Number of Classes
3 weekly sessions
Session Duration
60 minutes per session
School Subjects Alignment
Course Description
This innovative class immerses students in simulated medical emergencies, bringing classroom learning into the real world through hands-on experiences. Students learn to think like scientists as they are charged with diagnosing a patient. They are motivated to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively in teams. With a combination of clinical cases and unique classroom teaching methods, students join a challenging yet supportive environment that fosters exploration, discovery, and critical thinking through small-group problem-solving and personal reflection.
Curriculum Outline
- Session 1: Introduction to Patient Interviewing, Vital Signs, and Healthy Patient Case
- Session 2: Respiratory Patient Case
- Session 3: Cardiovascular Patient Case
Mass. State Standards
Comprehending Concepts: Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health.
- 1.5.1 Describe the relationship between healthy behaviors and personal health.
- 1.5.2 Identify examples of emotional, intellectual, physical, and social health.
Health Enhancing Behaviors: Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.
- 7.5.1 Identify responsible personal health behaviors.
- 7.5.2 Demonstrate a variety of healthy practices and behaviors to maintain or improve personal health.
Social Emotional Competencies:
- Self-Management
- Self-Awareness
About Harvard Medical School – MEDscience
Harvard MEDScience endeavors to transform students’ lives by inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and nurturing the essential skills needed to thrive in science, medicine, and beyond.
About the Instructor
Fiona Kennedy graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Public Health Science. During her time at Maryland, she helped build a youth mentorship program called the Saturday Freedom School where she taught students math, reading, and science until she graduated. Shortly after graduating, she became a Medical Assistant working at Beth Israel Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology. During this time, she began volunteering for MEDscience where she saw all of her passions come together. Fiona worked as both a full- time teacher and as the DEIB liaison. She is now gearing up to get her Master of Science in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine where she will continue on with MEDscience virtually.