ROCHESTER, N.Y. – UR School of Medicine hosted a hands-on surgery simulation for local high school students.

Twenty to thirty students from underrepresented backgrounds practiced simulated joint replacement surgery and bone fracture repair, and more were taught by orthopaedic surgeons from URMC’s Department of Orthopaedics.

The University of Rochester’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) works to nurture talent and diversity in healthcare professions. The state-funded program provides high school students with hands-on learning experiences alongside physicians, researchers, and educators.

Second-year medical student Jasmine McLeish said she didn’t have these programs when she was in high school and thinks they are important.

“I think the early exposure would have helped me decide to have a career in medicine even sooner. I think to have programs like this is really critical.”