Photo courtesy of Washington County 4-H

A miniature medical school was held for area 4-H youth to learn about STEM in a hands-on environment. The University of Iowa hosted 40 middle school students from Washington, Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and Louisa Counties who spent the day at the College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, and the University of Iowa admissions. The experience gave students the opportunity to see STEM in action in the medical field in a variety of departments. Students made finger casts, used simulators to understand laparoscopic surgery, and inspected organs. They also visited the medical museum and saw the roof helipad.

The day concluded with a visit to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The 40 students donated items that they would find useful or enjoyable if they or a sibling were to need care at the hospital. Over 250 items were given to the hospital’s Christmas Room which is accessible to patients, families, and medical professionals, who can then give the items to young patients in need of encouragement or rewards during their stay.

Washington County youth who attended the event included Brenna Hazelett, Halle Hazelett, Tate Bombei, Brock Lowenberg, Courtney Chalupa, Grace Conger, Grace Skelton, and Grace Prybil.