Cary High School teacher Lynn Smith hopes her classes give students insight into medical careers. The former nurse has been building Cary High's medical science program for three years, and she was excited when recent graduate Erin Beasley placed in the top 10 in a national medical terminology competition.

The medical science program goes hand in hand with the club Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), which Smith believes gives strong recognition to students who achieve.

Q: Which medical science classes do you offer at Cary?

A: We have an introductory class. This year, we will cover biomedical topics, like forensic medicine.

We also offer a Medical Science I, which sophomores and juniors tend to take. It covers anatomy and physiology-- systems, diseases and disorders. It's very intense.. I think the fact that students can take both helps a light bulb go on for them.

Honors-level Medical Science II has a clinical job shadowing component, and students can choose where they want to work. The job shadowing often confirms students' decisions about the careers they will choose.

Some are surprised at what they see. I hear, "Oooh, gross - I have to touch that?" I remind them that medical careers are not glamorous, and if the tasks are grossing them out, they probably shouldn't go to nursing school.

Q: How does HOSA tie into the medical curriculum?

A: Ideally, all students who take a medical science class would belong to HOSA. The competitions are tied into the tests, and we have career fair meetings, where professionals come in to talk to students.

HOSA is great for developing leadership qualities and encouraging community service. We host blood drives and blood pressure screenings and participate in the juvenile diabetes walk. HOSA also offers scholarships. I'm still growing my program, but we're getting there.

Q: What happens at nationals? What sorts of competitions are there?

A: This year, nationals were in California, and next year, students will travel to Disney World in Florida.

It's fun for them.

There are 55 different things they can compete in; only about a quarter of them involve written knowledge.

The others might be sports medicine practicals, CPR, first aid--a lot of hands-on tests that involve a skill component.

The competitions boost their esteem.

Some of these kids might not be involved in one hundred different activities.

But by doing well at HOSA - I send out their information to media, they receive a medal, plaques, certificates - they get all these pats on the back.

Taking medical science classes and participating in HOSA are great opportunities for anyone who thinks they may be interested in health.