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WesternU COMP-Northwest Hosts Mini-Medical School for Kindergarteners

On April 17, 2026, the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, part of Western University of Health Sciences, opened its doors to local kindergarteners from six elementary schools within the Lebanon Community School District. This event marked the 16th annual Mini-Medical School, a cherished tradition that invites young students to explore the field of health and wellness through engaging, hands-on activities.

During the event, kindergarten students were introduced to various health concepts, focusing primarily on bones, germs, and the heart. Among the most exciting activities was the opportunity for students to step into the shoes of young surgeons, where they learned about the body's organs in a fun and accessible way. First-year medical students from COMP-Northwest volunteered their time, leading the children through different stations designed to ignite their curiosity about medicine.

At the surgery station, volunteers Evan Jarvis, Huy Hoang, and Adam Voigt took charge, guiding the children as they donned surgical gowns and gloves. Utilizing felt organs, the kindergartners practiced identifying and placing the organs in their respective locations on a body outline while discussing each organ's function. This interactive exercise not only educated young minds but also fostered a memorable experience for both the kindergarteners and the medical students.

"Today, we were teaching the kindergarteners what surgery is and explaining what organs do—in a fun way," shared Huy Hoang. He expressed his excitement about interacting with young children, noting how fulfilling it is to witness their energy and enthusiasm.

The Mini-Medical School provides a refreshing break for medical students, allowing them to step away from the rigors of their studies and focus on sharing their passion for medicine. Evan Jarvis remarked on how this event serves as a reminder of the joy found in their future profession, emphasizing the importance of balancing serious studies with enjoyable experiences.

COMP-Northwest Assistant Professor of Population Health Science, Jeannie Davis, EdD, who has overseen the program since its inception, highlighted how Mini-Medical School has become a significant event in the Lebanon School District. Since 2011, the program has utilized a hands-on approach to connect children with healthcare concepts, thereby nurturing a potential interest in medical careers among the youth.

"Mini-Medical School has brought healthcare education to life for kindergarteners in our community, planting the seeds for future career pathways while making their first experience with medical concepts enjoyable and interactive," said Dr. Davis.

The event concluded successfully, reinforcing the essential connection between COMP-Northwest and the local community while enhancing early curiosity about health and medicine among students.

As future healthcare professionals, the participating medical students left the day with not only cheerful memories but also a clearer understanding of their roles as educators and advocates for health in their communities. This continual focus on enriching public health knowledge remains a core element of the Mini-Medical School tradition.

Western University of Health Sciences operates campuses in Lebanon, Oregon, and Pomona, California, dedicating itself to training the next generation of health care providers across various disciplines. With its commitment to community collaboration, the university will continue to inspire future health professionals through initiatives like the Mini-Medical School.