Harvard, Museum of Science Create ER Simulation for High School Students

As part of Massachusetts STEM Week, Oct. 20-24, the Museum of Science in Cambridge partnered with Harvard Medical School's HMS MEDscience Program to create a simulated ER experience for high school students.

On Thursday, Oct. 23, students explored the Museum of Science's new simulation space. There, they engaged in hands-on activities such as diagnosing and treating lifelike mannequin patients with procedures like IV placements and intubation.

“They've done this for years, bringing high school students to the medical school, and we thought, ‘What if we did something here at the Museum of Science?' Because not every high school in the area can make it all the way to Harvard Medical School,” said Insoo Hyun, director of the Center for Life Sciences at Harvard Medical School, in a statement shared with 7NEWS Boston.

Julie Joyal, executive director of HMS MEDscience, described the program's expansion and its goal to reach more students. 

“If you have a vision, you should go for it and get the right people on the bus because we actually planned this in about a month,” said Joyal to 7NEWS Boston.

Students like East Boston High School junior Victoria Julien Escobar expressed enthusiasm for the program. Escobar described how it offers a dynamic, problem-solving environment that's distinct from traditional classroom learning.

The ER simulation program will continue at the Museum of Science through the fall semester.