Madill Elementary second graders recently completed the Junior Scrubs program, a hands-on health care experience designed to introduce students to medical careers and wellness.
The program, founded by the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO), traditionally served older students in after-school settings. When FDRHPO partnered with Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, a member of the North Star Health Alliance, the team reimagined the program for younger learners during the school day to ensure all students could participate.
Jenny Crandall, education and training coordinator with North Star Health Alliance, led the effort to adapt the program for second graders. “The thought of excluding students who couldn’t attend after school didn’t sit right with me,” Crandall said. “Second grade is the perfect age, they really absorb the information.”
The three-week program featured interactive lessons and guest experts. Students learned about hand hygiene, nursing tools, radiology, surgery, mental health, physical therapy, emergency services, and dental care. The program concluded with a hospital tour at Claxton-Hepburn Medical campus, where students explored radiology, physical therapy, pharmacy, and a mock surgical suite featuring a robot. They also met Chief of Staff Brandon Bowline and enjoyed lunch in the hospital cafeteria.
Teachers said the experience helped students connect classroom learning to real-world careers and view hospitals in a positive light. “Some of the students have parents who work in the hospital, and they were able to see them on the job,” said second-grade teacher Deidre Hammond. “It was a great connection.”
“I loved the hospital tour, especially getting to see my dad twice,” said Amelia Doyle. “He helps get patients to sleep in surgery.”
The program also addressed misconceptions about health care settings. “One student told me how scary an ambulance was,” said teacher Angela Davis. “After the tour, she said it wasn’t scary at all.”
Junior Scrubs was supported by FDRHPO and local health professionals. Students received scrubs, hats, masks, name tags and t-shirts donated from the North Star Health Alliance.
Teachers noted the program boosted engagement and attendance. “Attendance was better on Junior Scrubs days,” Davis said. “It gave students ownership of the experience and encouraged conversations at home.”
The program not only introduced health careers but also inspired imaginative play. “Students wanted to keep their scrubs on and play hospital in the classroom,” Davis said. “They practiced taking temperatures and blood pressure on stuffed animals. It was amazing to see them apply what they learned.”
Second graders at JFK Elementary will participate in the program next semester.
