Did you know that 25 of our Peoria Public School students are spending one Saturday each month diving into the fascinating world of medicine? These dedicated 5th and 6th graders are part of the Mini-Medical School, a hands-on program hosted by the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. It’s not about recruiting future doctors—it's about opening doors, sparking curiosity, and showing our students the many possibilities within healthcare.
What Is Mini-Medical School?
Mini-Medical School is a special program designed for students who might not otherwise get a chance to explore healthcare careers. Each month, these young learners gather for three hours on a Saturday to explore a different body system, learn about a wide range of medical professions, and get their hands on real science—sometimes literally! Imagine the excitement of dissecting chicken feet to learn about muscles and tendons, or examining a sheep’s eyeball to understand how vision works. These are just a few of the memorable experiences our students have had so far.
Learning Led by Medical Students
One of the most inspiring aspects of Mini-Medical School is that it’s led by medical students from the Urban Medicine Program. These future doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are not only teaching science—they’re also serving as role models, showing our students that a career in healthcare is possible for anyone, regardless of background. The program director, Dr. Angela O’Brien, is there to support and cheer everyone on, but it’s the medical students who take the lead, guiding small groups and sharing their passion for medicine.
More Than Just Medicine
The curriculum goes beyond just doctors and nurses. Students learn about physical therapy, nutrition, and many other healthcare fields. Each session includes hands-on experiments, group discussions, and even a little breakfast to start the day right. And thanks to grant funding, there’s no cost to families—just a commitment to learning and curiosity.
Celebrating Success
Every student receives a white coat at the start of the program, and families are invited to celebrate this special moment. Throughout the year, students take home fun goodies like stethoscopes and, most importantly, new knowledge and confidence.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud of the 25 students who are making the most of this opportunity, and grateful to the families who support them. Mini-Medical School is just one example of how our community is working together to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.If you have questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to MiniMedPeoria@uic.eduThank you for supporting our students as they explore, discover, and dream big!