KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Truman State University's Summer Talent Academy for Professions in Health has been a success.
Founded in 2011, the program is a joint collaboration between A.T. Still University and Truman State University.
Applicants went through a rigorous selection process. They had to obtain high scores on their ACT, maintain high grades in both science and math courses, and provide letters of recommendation from their school. Over one hundred gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors applied to participate in the week long program, and thirty six students were selected.
The catchy theme chosen for the summer program is bioterrorism. Dr. Joe Visker, Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science at Truman State University said, "First of all it has a certain appeal to it, the thought is terrifying, so people draw to that kind of thing. Also, it involves all different aspects of health and wellness."
Physicians, Missouri ARMY National Guard, health educators and ambulance personnel are providing information, experiments, labs and demonstrations throughout the week. This will expose the students to all areas of health and wellness including anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, microbiology, first response and disaster preparedness.
The goal of the program is to get students excited about science and health related fields. It will also help students think about helping with disaster preparedness. Another goal is to provide direction to students wishing to pursue health and wellness in the future.
After completing this program, students will not only walk away with advanced health and wellness knowledge, but also a letter of recommendation. They can use this for college applications which explains all the students achievements during the week. Each student will also be receiving individuals comments from preceptors in each class.
The summer program has been quite a success, and hopes to hold another program again next year.
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