MEDscience Onsite
The Museum of Science sparks curiosity in our Exhibit Halls and theaters every day. We also go beyond that to inspire a love of science in tomorrow’s researchers, educators, and science professionals. Employment in STEM fields is expected to grow significantly in the coming decade, with careers in medical science increasing much faster than average. Filling these roles requires access to education programs and opportunities at a time when institutions face numerous challenges and uncertainty.
This year, the Museum launched a pilot partnership program with HMS MEDscience, designed to engage and support students who may never have considered STEM careers as a realistic possibility. Through the program, students train in medical skills and terminology, scientific literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving — while also building teamwork and communication.
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The partnership began when our own Center for Life Sciences Director, Insoo Hyun, PhD, connected with HMS MEDscience Founding Executive Director Julie Joyal. Julie explains: “Both organizations are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. HMS MEDscience uses immersive, real-world medical simulations to make science come alive, while the Museum of Science connects millions of learners to the wonder of discovery. Together, we now create experiences that are not only educational but transformative—sparking curiosity and confidence in students who may have never seen themselves in science or medicine before.”
Museum educators began training on the MEDscience program last March, each spending one day a week onsite at Harvard Medical School to learn how to teach eight different simulation cases and seven skills lessons.
For one hour and fifteen minutes per week, students participate in hands-on simulation classes with HMS MEDscience staff, Museum educators, and SimMan — a computer-controlled adult mannequin that breathes, has a pulse and blood pressure, heart tones, breath sounds, and bowel sounds.
One teacher shared: “Our students left each day with more questions about medicine and patient care, and by the end they were strongly committed to a career in health science and more knowledgeable about their journey to make it happen.”
And in the words of a student: “MEDscience has taught me that I must be confident in myself... It has also taught me to trust the people around me and take into account their opinions as well.”
The MEDscience partnership program is scheduled to run during the 2025–26 academic year, with students onsite twice a week. While this is a pilot year, we are hopeful that it will become an ongoing partnership.