Q: How did Bridges to Medicine start?
A: Bridges to Medicine started when we noticed a gap between middle and high school students and the vast opportunities available in healthcare careers. Reaching beyond Ladue, we wanted to address the disparities in representation, which is why we established a collaboration with the community organization, Black Girls Do STEM. Partnerships like these allow us to engage and encourage young students to explore careers in healthcare and STEM.
Q: How long have you been part of the club, and what’s your role in it?
A: I am the President and Founder, so I have been a part of Bridges to Medicine from the very beginning. My role is to lead and oversee all aspects of the program, establishing new partnerships across the St. Louis Area to find opportunities for students and connect them with one-on-one experiences.
Q: What events does the club typically host?
A: Our main activities are interactive, hands-on learning sessions. So far, we’ve hosted hospital tours, shadowing, volunteering, outreach events, and guest speakers.
Q: What challenges have you faced with the club?
A: The biggest challenge is with logistics. Since we have formed and worked to maintain so many community partnerships, it requires significant planning and scheduling within these high-demand professional settings.
Q: What are you most looking forward to with the future of Bridges to Medicine?
A: I am most excited to see Bridges to Medicine grow and expand our impact, increasing the number of students we reach annually and broadening our partnerships. I also am excited to deepen our existing partnerships with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Black Girls Do STEM to strengthen our collaboration to create a sustainable, powerful pipeline for future healthcare leaders.
![Team representatives Hotaru Murashita (11) and Regina Copeland (10) play rock paper scissors for the winning prize. The club hopes to continue to implement new meetings every year. “About a month ago, we pitched [the idea], and Madame Milford helped us obtain the croissants and jams,” Secretary Arlo Ziolkowski (11) said.](https://laduetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FHS-April-8-1200x900.jpg)
![Performers dress in cultural outfits. Performances range from 1 to 3 per month depending on the opportunities and invitations. “[The performances] were super fun and a really great environment for everyone to show off their skills and the work we put into learning the dances,” Eshaa Deore (11) said. (Photo courtesy of Eshaa Deore)](https://laduetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_6478-1126x1200.jpg)
