School is designed to be a space for discovery, and it is there that students often explore what they want to do and who they want to be.
In this setting, many will not only learn about wide-ranging subject matter, but along the way, uncover pieces of themselves through new experiences that have the power to spark inspiration for their futures.
That is the hope for the San Marino High School students enrolled in the Titan Medical Arts Academy. Its inaugural cohort will convene at the start of the school year, when at least 75 students who are currently enrolled in the program are set to embark on an innovative, four-year academic pathway — offering some their first glimpse into the world of modern medicine.
In partnership with Pasadena City College, the medical arts students will earn college-level credit on the SMHS campus through dual enrollment.
“This program wouldn’t exist without the communitywide support,” SMHS Principal Jason Kurtenbach said. “It’s been amazing. Pasadena City College has been very open to this idea, which when you come in with new ideas like this and you’re expecting others to step up, that’s a big ask, and they have always been open and wanting to give us ideas and opportunities instead of barriers.”
Some of the courses will include an introduction to health sciences, biology, human diseases, human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, kinesiology and AP research. When they become seniors, internships will become available, allowing them to gain practical, hands-on experience in an area of study that interests them. In the meantime, a collaboration between the high school and Keck Medicine of USC is being discussed for potential internship opportunities, Kurtenbach said.
“We do a good job of counseling our students about what they are taking on,” the principal said. “It is a big jump in rigor. It’s not going to be easy and that’s intentional, because students will be studying high-level academics. They will have to put in more time and effort, and our students and families understand that.”
Because SMUSD has fewer English learners, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, and no foster youth, the district doesn’t qualify for the same amount of federal grants that surrounding school districts receive, Superintendent Linda de la Torre said.
Without substantial financial support from local groups, such as the San Marino PTAffiliates Board of Directors which donated a $400,000 grant toward the Titan Medical Arts Academy’s three state-of-the-art Anatomage tables, the effort to bring the niche program to SMUSD likely would have fallen short.
Typically only found in a medical school setting, the Anatomage tables offer 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection technology that has the ability to display an accurate and life-size image of various cadavers that SMHS students will be able to maneuver, analyze, anatomize and more.
“We wouldn’t be able to afford this kind of equipment without the support and generosity of our community partners,” de la Torre said. “It’s very rewarding to be in a place that values education and its students and the student experience.”
Lena Richter, assistant superintendent of educational services, supported the high school administration to develop pathway courses, visited and consulted with schools that have successfully implemented a medical arts or medical arts-aligned pathway, as well as consulted with various vendors, hospitals, health and research organizations for medical equipment and sought out student internship opportunities with local hospitals and health organizations.
“Through state-of-the-art medical equipment and community partnerships, our students will have the unique opportunity to immediately apply their learning and participate in real-world settings, giving them a competitive edge for college and their career,” Richter said.
PTAffiliates President Stephanie Duncan said the organization saved its funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, making the $400,000 grant possible.
“I love that we are able to help provide the equipment for these kids to excel and make them excited about learning,” Duncan said. “That makes me and my board really happy. I’m proud to be a part of it and see that this is happening for our kids.
“It’s neat to give students the full scale of what it’s like to be in the medical field. … Maybe they will become a surgeon, doctor or X-ray tech. The goal is to give them the opportunity and tools to show them what they can do.”
Additionally, the Rotary Club of San Marino contributed a $25,000 grant to supply classrooms with iPads and Precision OS, a medical-grade virtual reality software that can replicate the experience of being in an operating room in a digital environment.
“Our kids will be able to evaluate whether or not the medical profession is one they will pursue as a college student or as a potential career pathway at a very critical time in their lives — when they are trying to determine and assess what their major might be and what their interests are for college, and this program will really acclimate them to the experience of what it would be like to be in the medical profession,” de la Torre said.
C. Joseph Chang, vice president of the SMUSD Board of Education, also played a key role in the ambitious endeavor.
Chang’s 22-year tenure on the board and 30 years of experience as a hospital administrator helped make this vision a reality by combining his passion for health care and education. Throughout this process, he said his goal was to utilize his connections and experience to bridge resources that would continue to evolve curriculum so students could excel academically and meet their goals.
“This initiative not only enables our students to distinguish themselves through their focused pursuits, but also contributes to enhancing the unique identity of San Marino High School,” Chang said.
“This program facilitates an environment for the second generation of health care professionals, as well as those venturing into health care for the first time in their family, to deepen their interests and gain real-world exposure. It is crucial to build a framework that enhances students’ access to health care, fostering their curiosity and ambition.”
Kurtenbach said he’s grateful for the outpouring of support and teamwork.
“We have more technology than some small colleges, including Pasadena City College, so we are really proud that our community said: ‘Yes, we want this for our kids, and we don’t just expect you to do this on your own. We are going to help you,’” Kurtenbach said.
“Our community partners were willing to put in the time to understand how to do this the right way, and that’s been a real blessing. Everyone has stepped up and has been open and willing to do what they needed to do to get us to the end.”
