Lambert offers many pathways that allow students to explore their interests and passions. Many students apply from other schools to take advantage of the career building opportunities at Lambert. Lambert’s Medical Science Academy (MSA) is a relatively unknown part of the medical pathway at Lambert. This medical pathway is made up of three elective classes and an internship in the fourth year, which would usually be most students’ senior year.
Students can choose to study healthcare or biotechnology, but the MSA still requires students to take rigorous classes like Advanced Placement (AP) Physics, AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Outside of school, students are expected to participate in health-related clubs and also to give back to the community.
The academy requires dedication and hard work for the opportunities it presents.
“I recommend spending time working on this award, because it shows a commitment to the medical field and shows dedication in pursuing a medical career,” Lambert sophomore and MSA member Abhay Kumar explained.
The rigorous science and math courses can show that high school students are ready to tackle higher level college courses that will be required for the difficult schedule medical students often need to take.
High school students who complete the requirements for MSA will receive a badge on their diploma. In addition, they also receive benefits such as job opportunities and career experience.
“In the fourth year, you have a clinical pharmacy or biotechnology internship,” Kumar explained. “Or you can have a work-based internship or do an independent project.”
These experiences not only help shape a high school student’s resume, but also gives them hands-on opportunities to explore the fields of medicine and biotechnology at an early stage. The connections students can forge though the program perhaps dwarf any possible awards they could receive. Students can receive internships through Internship Forsyth; for healthcare students, internships include working at a hospital or research facility, depending on if they choose to do health or biotechnology.
MSA offers even more than just opportunities and job experience. The program helps build valuable skills and characteristics that will help students be successful in their future careers, whether it be medicine, biotechnology or something entirely different. Through the many AP courses and volunteering requirements, the program guarantees students will leave high school with a strong work ethic and a calling for community service.
“The goal of the academy is basically to empower students to utilize the skills while exploring health care opportunities,” Kumar said.
Lambert’s medical pathway offers many opportunities to sharpen career skills to get a feel for healthcare settings. The MSA will continue to help current and future students help cultivate their interest in healthcare and grow their medical career through the programs the healthcare pathway provides.
