Knox Students Participate in Jump Simulation Medical Program

Earlier this summer, six Knox College pre-health students participated in the OSF Jump simulation program in Peoria, preparing themselves for a future in medical education and the medical profession.

Knox students, along with college students from around the region, participated in the two-week ‘medical boot camp,’ attending lectures and seminars and participating in skills courses, simulations, and the basics of tending to those needing medical assistance.

“It was amazing. I had no idea how great it would be, it was so cool,” Knox student and biology major Zoe Pav ’26 said. 

“I was exposed to things I’ve never been exposed to. We practiced doing more patient contact-related things, and we also did a cadaver dissection.” 

Learning about the time and dedication it takes to be a medical professional was eye-opening for the students, but it also gave them a clear understanding of the field and the passion it takes to be part of it.

“If you’re not sure if you want to go into medicine, this will tell you,” Knox biochemistry major Maximilian Martinez ’27 said. “For me, I was pretty sure going in; afterward, I was sure. When we were discussing things, working with people, it was obvious this is what I want to do, this is the idea that I am working for.”

Knox students are selected for the program through a rigorous application process and their interest in medicine. Funds for the program are provided by the Gerald and Carol Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study.

“Lisa Harris, director of the Vovis Center, is a huge advocate for the Jump program, and it’s something she pushes students to apply to; it’s such an amazing opportunity,” Pav said. “We have a grant that pays for it, so it is something people should take advantage of.” 

This experience proved invaluable for Knox students, who gained knowledge in the field while also affirming their pursuit of their passion.

“My biggest takeaway from Jump is really the kind of people who become doctors,” Martinez said. “I want to be like those people. You can tell they all care deeply about other people; it was comfortable being around them all the time. That is my biggest takeaway from this experience.”

Knox offers a pre-health plan for students as well as advising, to help prepare them for Jump and the pre-health field. 

Knox College participants in this year’s Jump program and their majors were:

Ria Hameed Gilani ’26 Major: Biology

Aiden Frail ’27 Major: Biology

Paula Flores Cevallos ’27 Major: Biology

Shino Okamoto ’25 Major: Neuroscience

Zoe Pav ’26 Major: Biochemistry

Maximilian Martinez ’27 Major: Biochemistry