Braaaains!: Medical Scholars take on zombie outbreak in program finale

(Michael Lowe/Brenau University)

The Brenau University Medical Scholars Program wrapped up its 2021-22 academic year on Friday, March 18, with a scavenger hunt, “zombie outbreak” and graduation ceremony for participating high school students on the historic Gainesville campus.

The event, which has become an annual tradition to end the program year, involved a simulated outbreak in the Fitness Center with Brenau students playing the role of the undead. With guidance from faculty in the Ivester College of Health Sciences, the 60 Medical Scholars participated in various challenges to contain the zombie spread. 

Established in 2015, the Medical Scholars Program provides hands-on experiences for area high school students as they learn alongside faculty and students in Brenau’s occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, physician assistant studies, nursing and science programs throughout the year.

Stephanie Condland, a senior at Cherokee Bluff High School in Flowery Branch, Georgia, said the program opened her eyes to a future career in health sciences. 

“I came into this program not knowing what I wanted to do, but now I really want to pursue a career as a PA or something similar in the healthcare field,” she said.

Conland said she plans to apply for Brenau’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program after earning her undergraduate degree.

Applications for the 2022-23 Medical Scholars are expected to go out soon through coordinators at the program’s partner high schools.