Team members from Caledonia Medical Laboratory (Biomedical) stepped out of the lab and into the classroom recently to trade their microscopes and test tubes for interactive displays, to inspire future medical professionals at the Mountain View Primary School’s Annual Career Fair, in St. Andrew.

The initiative forms part of the laboratory’s ongoing commitment to community development and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, aiming to demystify diagnostic science for primary school students.

Throughout the day, medical technologists and phlebotomy professionals engaged students with hands-on demonstrations, explaining how blood samples are analysed, how bacteria are identified, and why accurate testing is critical to saving lives. Students were given the opportunity to look at laboratory equipment, sparking curiosity and excitement.

“Nurturing young minds and planting the seeds of curiosity early is exactly how we secure the future of healthcare,” said Rushelle Mignott, Phlebotomist and Head of the Phlebotomy Department at Biomedical. “Many children know about doctors and nurses, but they rarely get to see the scientists behind the scenes who find the answers. Watching the spark in the students’ eyes as we interacted with them reminded us why we chose this field in the first place.”

The interactive booth drew enthusiastic groups of students eager to learn about the journey of a lab sample. School administrators noted that the hands-on approach brought abstract science concepts to life in a way standard textbooks cannot.

“We want these bright young students to know that a career in medicine isn’t limited to one or two paths,” added Shereen Marshall, Grade Four teacher. “By showing them the critical and exciting world of laboratory science today, we are exposing them to opportunities for tomorrow.”  

Biomedical plans to continue its youth outreach portfolio, with more school visits and educational partnerships slated for the remainder of the year.