The Central High School , which launched in the fall semester of 2022, gives west Louisville students an up-close and personal experience with a career in medicine. Students are able to shadow UofL doctors during rounds at , scrub into operating rooms and witness surgeries, and also get practice performing simpler procedures, like sutures through this immersive curriculum.

With every white coat placed on the shoulders of a student, this ceremony serves as a reminder of goals that can be fulfilled. This historic partnership connects UofL Health, Central High School, and the Falls City Medical Society to encourage the future generation towards a career in the medical field.

“I’m so proud of these students and I know that programs like this work. We already have and will continue to see the changes it makes to our community,” said , assistant professor in the UofL Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health and a physician with UofL Physicians – OB/GYN & Women’s Health. “We’ve already connected dozens of students to meet, work with and befriend doctors, nurses and so many more health care professionals, and eventually that number will turn to hundreds, then thousands. These students will no longer be able to say that they have never seen a doctor that looks like them.”

As juniors in this program, these students rotated through each of the core medical clerkships from OB/GYN to emergency medicine in an effort to learn which field best suits them. In their senior year, they’ll get to choose which area of medicine they wish to pursue a future in and have one-on-one mentorship with leaders in those specialties.

“I am in awe of the determination and dedication of the students at Central High School and the eagerness of our faculty physicians to give of their time and talents to showcase to them the wonderful world of medicine,” said . “Part of our mission is to educate the next generation of physicians and contribute to the health and wellness of the community—locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Thanks to partnerships like this driven by our Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, our faculty physicians have the chance to instill a love for medicine early in a student’s academic career and welcome a new cohort of medical professionals.”

The pre-medical pipeline program offers educational opportunities, college credit and hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships. At the end, students will be equipped with knowledge, resources and mentorship to lead the change for this community.

“This program is an extension of the commitment to transform the health of our community by engaging with the next generation of health care professionals,” said . “We want to share our passion to care for people, hoping to inspire more students to consider nursing, medical school and other health careers at UofL Health.”

Students in the Central High School Magnet Career Academy are selected for admission through a competitive process with over 100 applicants that includes achievement test scores, grade point average, personal essays and other teacher recommendations. Central has the second-highest number of Governor’s Scholars in the district. Central is one of two high schools in Kentucky to offer Montessori education.

“Donning a white coat holds special significance for our students,” said . “Being viewed as a member of the UofL Health team is a tremendous opportunity as our students get hands on experience with the doctors and other health care professionals whose footsteps many of them hope to follow.”

The white coats, presented to the 33 juniors at UofL’s Health Sciences Center on Feb. 26, were provided by UofL Health. The pre-medical magnet program starts accepting applicants in a student’s high school freshman year. For more information on how to apply, .��

As part of the festival, Kentucky and Indiana middle and high school groups are also invited to showcase their talents. These students get the chance to perform in Comstock Recital Hall while receiving tips from professional jazz musicians.��

In other classrooms, students are able to get lessons from UofL jazz professors who help the teens hone their skills.��The goal of the festival is to allow students to play music freely and enjoy jazz itself.��

Ansyn Banks, a UofL Jazz Professor, said: “I want them to take away a love for the music and an opportunity to express themselves that you can’t with words.”  

Check out video from the 2018 festival: 

Below, Felton provides answers to the most-asked questions about sport physicals:

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical is a comprehensive history and physical exam. In Kentucky, the sports physical form comes from the . In Indiana, the form can be obtained from the . Information about Catholic school athletics is available from the . All leagures require that the form is signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or chiropractor (within scope of practice).

Who needs a sports physical?

In both Kentucky and Indiana, any middle school or high school student who plans to participate in a sport under the athletic association for that state will need a sports physical. You can always get a sports physical. It is better to have one and not have to use it than to miss out on playing.

How often do I have to get a sports physical?

A sports physical form is good for one calendar year. If you have your sports physical done in the spring semester, then it will still be good in the fall of the next school year.

I had a school physical; is that the same thing?

No. In Louisville, the Jefferson County Public Schools’ physical form is different from the sports physical form. If you need a sports form, then you must ask for it specifically.

When should I have my sports physical?

You should give yourself plenty of time before your physical is due. The doctor’s office gets busy as everyone is getting ready to go back to school, so make your appointment early. Most people don’t think about it at the end of the school year or early summer, but this is a great time to beat the rush. Also, if your doctor finds an abnormality in the physical, then you may need additional work-up before you are cleared to play sports, so you want to give yourself plenty of time.

Is there anything I can do to be ready for my sports physical?

The Kentucky sports physical form is long and has approximately 60 questions to answer before you see your doctor. You can download your form from the KHSAA website prior to your appointment and have it already filled out. The forms for other leagues are similarly lengthy. If you don’t have a form, ask for it as soon as you get to your doctor’s office. You can fill out the form in the waiting room and it will save you some time once see the doctor.

Where can I find out more information about sports physicals?

Contact UofL Pediatrics at 502-588-0700  or visit the websites of the , , or the .