Hundreds of students from all over Palm Beach County were introduced to different areas of the medical field as Inlet Grove hosted the Fifth Annual “Health & Science Stars of Tomorrow Career Symposium,” sponsored by the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, Saturday, Feb. 25.

“Different kinds of kids from different schools and even some kids that weren’t even in medical were there,” said Tiannah Elder, a junior in the Medical Academy. “Overall it was a great learning opportunity for everyone.”

The  daylong program featured remarks by the keynote speaker, Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Celeste Philip; as well as Roger L. Duncan III, the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society immediate past president; and Eric M. Kelly, president of the Quantum Foundation.

In addition to the Medical Society’s healthcare professionals and others who were present, students had the chance to learn from sponsors and exhibitors, while Hurricane volunteers guided student groups around the campus.

Many students said they learned a lot of new things. After one presentation by Nova Southeastern University, students were allowed to dissect sheep brains. When the sheep brains were brought out, students’ mouths fell open. Another activity was a faux surgery: Students were rushed into the “Operating Room” and asked to state what was wrong with patient.

Inlet Grove Medical Academy students also made presentations. For example, Dr. Landron’s Electrocardiogram (EKG) Tech class hosted a session during which they talked to the visiting students about how to perform an EKG.

In addition, Nurse Mackey’s class showed students how to wrap a bandage. It isn’t easy thinking of these activities, she said. “At first they used to vital signs but most of the participants already knew how to do that. So it’s nice to see them switch it up.”

Medical Academy student Ludelyne Jean Louis, who was one of the EKG “instructors,” said she thought the symposium was a good experience. Her favorite part was putting electrodes on the “patients,” she said, adding that she liked teaching the students new things.

Some noticed that throughout the activities the student guests looked fascinated and seemed as if they were having a good time. “It was nice seeing the expressions on the middle-schoolers faces,” Eldor said.