Reflecting on Four Years in the Biomed Program at St. Luke’s

As I approach the end of my senior year, I reflect on the memorable journey I’ve had over the past four years in the St. Luke’s Biomed program. What began as a curiosity in medicine has transformed into a deep-seated passion, largely due to the unique opportunities and experiences I’ve encountered throughout the program. From the first introductory classes to the hands-on labs, guest speakers, and intensive activities, Biomed has shaped not only my academic interests but also my personal growth and career goals. This program has not only confirmed my desire to go into medicine, but it has also given me a valuable head start toward understanding the realities and responsibilities of a healthcare professional. In my early years of the Biomed program, I was introduced to the foundational concepts of biology and human anatomy, but what truly brought those lessons to life were the hands-on experiences and expert guest speakers. One speaker who made a lasting impression was Mr. Edmondson. Not only did he share his insights and stories from the medical field, but he also taught me how to suture wounds, a skill that instantly became one of my favorites. Learning directly from someone with real-world experience was incredibly impactful. Mr. Edmondson’s guidance and encouragement gave me the confidence to approach clinical skills with a more professional mindset, and his lessons continue to influence the way I learn and practice in labs.

Throughout the years, I participated in several skills labs, which allowed me to gain firsthand experience with clinical techniques. Among the most memorable were the suture and IV labs. The suture lab was particularly fascinating, it was one of the first times I felt like I was doing something that real doctors do. It required patience, attention to detail, and precision. The IV lab also stood out, as it emphasized the importance of proper technique and the seriousness of patient care. Another significant moment was the Hemospatial Neglect Lab at the University of South Alabama, where we studied how strokes affect perception. These labs were not just engaging, they were formative, offering a safe space to learn from mistakes and develop essential skills that I know will serve me well in college and life. Our program also included larger-scale activities that helped reinforce what we were learning in a fast-paced, immersive way. The mass casualty simulation was one of the most intense and educational events we experienced. We saw firsthand how EMS students had to act quickly, think critically, and apply triage methods in a realistic scenario. Trauma Week and Forensics Week also stood out as key highlights. Trauma Week gave me insight into emergency medicine, a field I now have a strong interest in, while Forensics Week helped me appreciate the investigative side of medicine and the importance of detail-oriented work. These events not only deepened my medical knowledge but also built teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, traits that are essential for anyone entering the healthcare field.

This year, the Interventions Class has been one of the most impactful parts of my Biomed journey. It pushed me beyond theory and into active problem-solving and patient interaction. I’ve mastered several skills during this class, including researching, mental triage, and time management, each crucial in a medical setting. However, fast note-taking is still an area where I need improvement. I’ve come to understand how important organized, thorough documentation is, especially in medicine, where details can be a matter of life and death. Working on this skill will be a priority for me moving forward. As for the future of the Biomed program at St. Luke’s, I believe there are several ways it could continue to grow. While our class faced a non-traditional sequence due to some schedule changes and shifting priorities, we were still able to make the most of what was available. Future students would benefit from a more structured sequence of labs and activities, allowing them to build their skills in a logical progression. I also recommend bringing back or expanding certain labs, particularly the suture and trauma-related simulations, because of how engaging and educational they were. In addition, more opportunities for students to shadow healthcare professionals or participate in community medical outreach programs would provide valuable real-world experience.

In conclusion, the St. Luke’s Biomed program has been one of my favorite experiences of my high school career. It has given me a solid foundation in medical knowledge, practical skills, and a professional mindset. I’ve grown from a curious freshman to a confident, capable senior who is ready to pursue a future in medicine. The program has not only prepared me for college-level academics but has also helped me understand the kind of person I want to be in the medical field: competent, compassionate, and always eager to learn. I am deeply grateful for this experience and excited to see how future students will benefit from this incredible program's continued growth and innovation.