Scrubbed and Ready to Go!

In a heartfelt ceremony held Oct. 3 on campus, 13 students in the OCS Institute of Health Science proudly donned their scrubs for the first time, marking a significant milestone in their exploration of potential careers in health science. Attended by faculty, family, and friends, and led by Health Science Institute Director Dr. Bryan Wong, the event was a celebration of the hard work and dedication the students have shown thus far in the institute. 

"Tonight, we are celebrating the students that have been adventurous in starting this journey and have joined the Institute of Health Science," said Dr. Wong. "They are leading the charge and are the trailblazers." 

The institute officially launched this school year, but the students began taking introductory classes last spring, marking them as second-year students who earned the honor of wearing their scrubs. These students will proudly wear the scrubs while interning or volunteering at local medical facilities as part of their studies. 

Those honored included: Yuki An, Chiara Baker, Grace Curley, Reese Henrich, Christian Ipsen, Bailyn Jack, Annabelle Lin, Vyan Manek, Lara Michael, Carolyn Rao, Rayah Rodriguez, Bella Shah, and Marco Zhang.

The ceremony featured remarks from institute students who shared what they had been learning, as well as their excitement and aspirations for future careers in health science, be it in hospitals, clinics, community health settings or even veterinary science. 

"I decided to join this institute because it gives me access to local opportunities that allow me to dive deep into the health science and medical fields in the community," said junior Bella Shah. "For example, on one of our field trips we got to see robotic surgery machines, and it was cool to see the real technology doctors are using in hospitals for life-saving treatment. I am gaining valuable knowledge now, and I am grateful for these opportunities." 

From learning how to suture, to treatment for sports-related injuries, to concussion care, students' practical application of textbook knowledge has given them a jump start in their health interest.  

Reese Henrich, junior, is interested in orthopedic medicine and credits the institute with expanding her analytical and critical thinking skills while preparing her for the field. 

"We are always learning new ways to approach, analyze, and think about hard things which I think prepares me for the next level of my education. Dr. Wong described this as a mini med school! I find this amazing as it readies me for my chosen field while teaching me to think critically while on my feet." 

With pathways in biotechnology and research, fitness, sports and nutrition, population health, and health care, the institute's duality is to train future health care workers while cultivating hearts of compassion. 

"My main hope is that our students would grow in curiosity of how the human body works and functions while developing a heart to serve those around them that may be sick, hurting or ailing," said Dr. Wong.  "While the health field is not for everyone, we should all develop a heart of compassion for those around us, just as Christ had for those around Him." 

Junior Christian Ipsen has attended Oaks Christian since the sixth grade, and even back then he had an interest in the medical field. So, it was no surprise the institute sparked his interest. 

"This institute will not only equip me and prepare me for college and medical school, but it helps us to love God and what He has given us. What I enjoy is not just learning from a book but tying our learning to real-life situations. It's not just theory but hands on," he shared.  

The event concluded with a group photo, showcasing the students in their new scrubs, as proud family members captured the moment.  

The institute is the fifth institute Oaks Christian has launched in the last five years, joining the institutes of arts and innovation, engineering, global leadership, and Bible and discipleship. Each institute features unique pathways within its offerings and opportunities for internships, interaction with industry experts, mentors, and off-campus opportunities.