5
unique educational experience offered only at seaBury
Program Spotlight: BSA-MED
T
he Bishop Seabury Academy Medical School (BSA-MED)
is a unique educational experience. The program began in
2002 at the Bilingual Department of the National Experimental
High School (NEHS) in Hsinchu, Taiwan. There, Christopher
Bryan, director and founder, conceived a nine-week course of
human anatomy and physiology divided into four "years" of
Medical School. Students studied the major systems of the human
body at their own pace and tested out of each "year" by mastery
of written and oral quizzes. Upon completion, these inaugural
students were given the title "Doctor of Student Medicine." In
an unexpected response, these "doctors" voluntarily invested
their time and energy in their peers until the entire class had
successfully completed the program. The tradition of BSA-
MED was born.
In 2010, BSA-MED was introduced to the senior biology class.
It was well-received. Students liked the fact that they were free
to proceed at their own pace and to challenge themselves when
they felt ready. In 2012, physiology laboratory activities and
practical scenario-based training in the diagnosis and treatment
of common conditions were added to the program. Today's
students are enjoying the increased lab activities and clinical
scenarios.
"I am excited to see the way this program
has grown and developed over the years. I
am very proud of the accomplishments of
our graduates, many of whom have told me
that their Medical School experience is one
of their favorite high school memories, and
was helpful in preparing them for college."
—Christopher Bryan, Director and Founder
The main purpose of this
course is to deepen your
appreciation and knowledge
of your own body, with its
fascinating structure
and function.
