A health sciences track developed and implemented jointly by a medical school faculty and a regional high school

An extra-curricular health sciences program for 11th and 12th graders, which was designed and implemented jointly by a medical school faculty and its students, together with the staff of a regional high school, is described. The Israel Ministry of Education recognized the program as one of the 12 most innovative educational programs of the year in Israel. It consists of integrative courses on atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, malignancy and genetics, a research methodology course, a course on critical scientific reading, and an optional thesis or research project which the pupils can do under the supervision of members of the medical school faculty. Many medical students are involved in the planning and implementation of the program. The objectives of the program, its curriculum and experience with the first three classes are described. The medical school has now begun programs based on the one described here, in Bedouin high schools and in high schools in lower-class development towns in southern Israel.