Excitement stirred amongst the latest group of Future Healers as they waited to receive their white coats in a replicated white coat ceremony. With scrubs, a medical supplies kit, and medical textbooks in hand, the participants in their new white coats were more than ready to begin the fourth year of the program.

Future Healers began as a collaboration between students from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and the UofL Health – Trauma Institute. Designed to address the impact of gun violence on Jefferson County, the Future Healers program bridges Louisville’s health care organizations and local youth that have been impacted by gun violence.

While creating a safe space for local youth to navigate their emotional trauma, the program introduces the children to the field of medicine through free, interactive lessons. Topics covered in the program include nutrition, mental health, anatomy, first aid, and more. Mentorships and participation in field trips, medical school tours, hospital tours, and community events are popular additions to the program.

With each year of the program, Future Healers has been able to offer new and exciting opportunities to promote growth and learning. Since its initiation in 2021, the Future Healers program has grown exponentially, even providing participants with free books and medical supplies to take back to their homes, in addition to offering authentic hands-on models and dissections.

More than 200 children have experienced the power of the monthly educational curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and local events of Future Healers. Children between the ages of four and 13 are invited to participate in monthly sessions held at the Galt House or UofL Health – UofL Hospital. Starting with a wellness portion and transitioning into medical stations, students are introduced to many unique, impactful topics. The fan favorite, of course, has been the pig eye dissection station! Simplified monthly sessions are held for the preschoolers at the Chestnut Street YMCA. Mentorship opportunities are available for children outside of the specified age range.

The participants have had an overwhelming response to the experience. Most of the participants felt they were capable of becoming health care providers, and more than half shared they planned to enter the medical/STEM field when they grow up.

“We hope that even if they do not wish to pursue a career in medicine, that this environment can serve as a place to explore their interest, find positive role models, and discover that they are deserving of a strong future,” said Baylee Polzin, former Future Healers Co-Executive Director and current ULSOM student.

The UofL Health – Trauma Institute, including Keith Miller, M.D. and Christopher Jones, M.D. work with community partner Christopher 2X and his organization 2X Game Changers to support the mission created by the ULSOM students. ULSOM students are the primary creators of the medical curriculum that is presented to Future Healers participants, in addition to fundraising and running social media sites. Approximately 200 medical students volunteer with Future Healers, allowing the monthly programming to be almost exclusively run by students.

“The medical students have truly made an immense impact on children affected by gun violence as they pour hours into the program, while also pursuing their medical degrees. Their dedication to making a difference is nothing short of remarkable, and all of us in the UofL Health – Trauma Institute are truly honored to contribute to their mission,” said Dr. Miller.

Volunteers from medical professions, including medical and dental students, nurses, physicians, or other health care professionals are welcomed, as well as undergraduate students at the University of Louisville. All volunteers must have a background check and may require specific training. For more information, email futurehealersky@gmail.com. 

Interested families can get involved with the Future Healers organization by reaching out to stefanie.upton@uoflhealth.org.