St. Cloud Fifth Graders Experience Mini Medical School

October 8, 2026

A group of fifth-grade students from Lincoln Elementary School in St. Cloud got a firsthand look at the world of medicine on October 5, during a special Mini Medical School Day hosted by the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud. The program is in partnership with the MMA and the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. 

The immersive experience introduced students to a variety of healthcare careers, while encouraging them to envision their own futures in medicine and science. The day began with welcoming remarks from Jill Amsberry, MD, associate dean of undergraduate medical education, University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St Cloud, and Kim Tjaden, MD, MPH, chair of the MMA Board of Trustees, setting the stage for a day focused on exploration, learning, and inspiration. 

Fifth-graders learned about medicine at a one-day immersive experience at the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud.

Students then attended a session titled Growing Your White Coat, featuring Ana Núñez, MD, vice dean for diversity, equity and inclusion; Nadia Sam, MD, associate dean; and current University of Minnesota medical students. Session participants shared personal stories about their paths into medicine, highlighting the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and finding purpose through service. 

The highlight of the day was a series of hands-on clinical learning stations, where students rotated through interactive activities designed to mirror real-world health care experiences. Participants stepped into the roles of physicians and other medical professionals through stations including: 

• Be the Heart Doctor 

• Vital Signs Detective 

• Cast & Splint Lab 

• Junior Surgeon 

• What's Inside the Doctor's Bag 

The engaging experiences allowed students to practice basic clinical skills, learn about patient care, and gain a better understanding of the many roles that contribute to healthcare. 

Students also participated in a workshop where they created their own personalized Fifth Grade Medical Oath. Centered on ethics, compassion, and lifelong learning, the oaths were sealed in envelopes and will be reopened at the end of the school year. The activity serves as a meaningful reminder of each student's goals, potential, and the impact they can have on others. 

Experiences like Mini Medical School Day reflect the shared commitment of CentraCare, the University of Minnesota Medical School, and the MMA to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, and create pathways for young learners to explore careers in medicine.