Yesterday, students from Charlestown High School finished the eight week after-school program designed to help them explore careers in health professions. This program is a collaboration between Charlestown High School and the Institute. IHP faculty developed health careers-related curriculum and provided the English as a Second Language teacher with a plan for the learning activities. The ESL teacher previewed the content with students and supported development of English language learning.

The last few sessions focused on anatomy modules and a graduation ceremony. The anatomy module was led by OT term lecturer, Monica Pessina, who went over brain anatomy and cranial nerve testing. The students then practiced testing each other’s cranial nerve function. 

The second anatomy session focused on the heart and lungs, with the students learning about the flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood before using a pulse oximeter to measure their heart rate and oxygen levels. 

The program culminated with a celebration yesterday where the students shared messages of thanks, took part in activities that involved all the information they had learned, enjoyed some cake, and received their certificates. Principal Ajay Trivedi and Vice Principal Liana Tuller from Charlestown High joined them to recognize their hard work and achievements. 

“These kids committed to coming to the MGH Institute after a long day at school to continue learning,” said Laura Plummer, Dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. “They deserve a lot of credit for their dedication to learning about health-related careers and vocabulary while working on building their English-language skills.”