Academy Feature | Medical Gateways Visits the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s Simulation Lab

The Medical Gateways Academy provides students with the academic background, practical experience, and confidence needed to pursue medical studies after graduation. Last week, the Medical Gateways juniors were given the opportunity to practice hospital-applicable skills on simulated patients that showed real symptoms: taking vital signs, hooking up IVs and flushing the lines, setting up feeding tubes, and responding to patient needs. The University of Mount Saint Vincent’s kind professors, who are also nurse practitioners, demonstrated and taught many of these skills to our students. 

One of our students explained that she felt very prepared for the experience because her health classes had introduced ideas like medical asepsis—actively being sterile and properly discarding items—and medical ethics—speaking to patients kindly and communicating to them what you’re doing, especially if they are confused or nervous. Ms. Amy Anci, Director of the Medical Gateways Academy, explains, “Having this experience with the mannequins helps students not to be intimidated and to take a chance with no fear. Our students learn skills in the classroom; having the opportunity to put them into practice in the lab really boosts their confidence and makes it fun. By the time college rolls around, our students will be so well prepared!”

The medical students who use the SIM lab need three years of experience and study before they’re permitted to practice on the mannequins, let alone on real patients. Reflecting on the privilege of this visit, Lucia L. ’26 commented, “This trip really motivated me, and I felt privileged to be there because we are only in high school.” Sophia P. ’26 offers advice for underclassmen considering being a part of Medical Gateways: “Start out slow; you’re going to have to experience it once before being in the actual job, so this is a great opportunity.” Esmeralda F. ’26 encouraged students who might not be interested in nursing to remain open to other medical professions: “There are so many careers in the healthcare field suited to different abilities that still involve working with people—physical therapists, psychologists, social workers.” 

Well done, Cathedralites! A huge thank you goes to Ms. Anci for organizing this event with Brenda Green, Instructor of Nursing, and to Health Chair Ms. Myrie for chaperoning the event.