Inspire, educate, support

A newer program offered by Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine aims to prepare a completely different cohort of learners than one might expect from a medical school.

It’s called Saturday Academy.

Launched in 2023, the program is designed for high school students interested in medicine. Participants learn about the various concepts in human anatomy and physiology, physical science, global health, bioengineering, health care careers, college prep, and more.

It’s one of OUWB’s pathway programs overseen by the Diversity & Inclusion department.

Tonya Bailey, Ph.D., associate dean, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Engagement, says Saturday Academy is designed to “inspire, educate, and support high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine and health care.”

“By exposing students to the medical field early, we aim to ignite their passion for health care, provide them with valuable experiences, and help them build the foundational skills necessary for success in higher education and beyond,” says Bailey.

“This program also aligns with OUWB’s mission of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine by creating opportunities for underrepresented and underserved students to envision themselves in these vital roles.”

Brandon Harris, coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion, says Saturday Academy generally consists of two Saturday sessions per semester. About 30 people attend each one. Students come from across southeast Michigan. They aren’t required to attend every session throughout the year.

Past sessions have included SAT preparation, anatomy lab experience, FAFSA and undergraduate admissions, CPR training, and bioengineering.

One recent session featured a health professions panel that helped Saturday Academy attendees better understand the opportunities offered by the field. Another featured Saturday Academy participants helping assemble hygiene kits for the community and opportunities to ask questions of fourth-year medical students.

“Each session is completely different,” says Harris.

Despite the differences in sessions, however, there are common goals.

“It’s one thing to read about the medical field,” says Harris. “And it’s another thing to physically see it, touch it, and use your senses to experience it and start to figure out if you’re interested in the medical field.”

Bailey says the hope is “participants gain a deeper understanding of what it means to pursue a career in medicine, from the academic rigor required to the personal fulfillment that comes from serving others.”

“By engaging with physicians, medical students, and educators, participants will develop key skills, expand their knowledge, and build confidence in their ability to achieve their goals,” she says.

“We also hope the program helps them discover their potential, build a network of mentors, and foster a commitment to lifelong learning and community service.”

For more information on Saturday Academy, contact Brandon Harris at [email protected].