Little Medical Students Graduate

LOMA LINDA>> Many medical students pass through the city of Loma Linda including 22 children who graduated from Little Medical School at Campus Hill Church in Loma Linda. With a stethoscope and diploma of completion, graduates from ages 5-11 years old spent 12 weeks learning about the world of medicine. The graduation featured speakers including Dr. Amber Oros, a 4th year resident in the neurosurgeon department at LLUMC and Pastor Julio Tabuenca, Senior Pastor of Campus Hill Church. Little Medical School is a program that helps young students discover how the body and organs work, how to use medical instruments, administer first aid and get hands on learning. Christine Bautista, Director of Little Medical School, said the recent graduating class in Loma Linda was the first class to graduate from Little Medical School in the Inland Empire. “We want to empower kids for career in healthcare and with that, they learn about different healthcare professions.” Bautista said. Bautista said during the 12 weeks, students learned about anatomy, self-care concepts such as hand washing like a surgeon, suturing and hands-only CPR. They also had the opportunity to learn from students from Loma Linda University who could share some of their knowledge. “It’s been a great service because the university students come and also teach so they get to pass on their passion and love about why they wanted to go into their profession,” Bautista said. “The kids get really engaged with their instructors and learn more.” The young students also get to dress up as doctors or nurses and use real medical equipment. The program aligns with STEM objectives and features other programs including Little Nursing School, Little Pharmacy School, Little Veterinarian School and Little Dental School. “This class at Loma Linda has been the very first class in the Inland Empire, and since that first class we have had a lot of parents that have been requesting we bring our program to other areas.” Classes in January are available in Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Corona and Rancho Cucamonga.