The future of Terrell Davis did not include intersecting with the world of medicine, let alone a career as a physician.
Yet after only a few hours at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, the 10-year-old Detroiter eagerly committed to wanting to become a doctor.
That is exactly the point of Future Docs, an annual event held at the school so that more than 400 children and their parents can explore the world of medicine and science.
Sponsored by the School of Medicine's Alumni Association, the March 29 event saw children explore classrooms in Scott Hall and the Kado Family Clinical Skills Center in the Mazurek Medical Education Commons to engage in hands-on activities that explain medicine and medical science. The event's goal is to foster in children at an early age an interest and appreciation for science that may develop into a career in medicine.
"I never wanted to be a doctor before, but now that I see this I do," Terrell said. His favorite part of the day: examining the lamb eyes in a display manned by faculty and staff of the Kresge Eye Institute, so a career as an ophthalmologist may be in his offing.
Leah Habererk, 9, wasn't as certain. "I'm not sure I can handle the blood," she said as Deema Yousef, a fourth-year medical student from metropolitan Detroit, put her finger in a cast.
Yousef, despite Leah's doubts, said Future Docs is bound to attract up-and-coming physicians and medical researchers, as well as spark an interest in science. "I think events like these are awesome," said Yousef, who will become a family medicine physician. "So many kids come to see and learn about the science. I know these are the types of events I would have wanted to attend."
Twins Allison and Nicole Bozyk of Canton are split over future medical careers at this point. Of the 9-year-olds, Allison wants to be a doctor while Nicole isn't certain she can handle the stress, though she is leaning toward becoming a veterinarian at this point.
Their father, Paul Bozyk, M.D., of the Class of 2003, can provide some assistance. He's a pulmonary critical care specialist for Beaumont Hospitals.
"It's pretty cool," Allison said of Future Docs. "I want to help cure people. Dad's a hero."
Future Docs is rewarding for the older set as well.
"I like working with people who are always curious, and kids are those kinds of people," said Daniel Montenegro, a first-year resident at the Kresge Eye Institute who was dissecting lamb's eyes and explaining the components to children. "The eye is such a fascinating structure and I enjoy explaining that to them."
Megan Fuller, of Shelby Township, is absolutely certain about her future as a doctor, even at age 9. Her father, Brett Fuller, Class of 1997, is an internal medicine-pediatrics physician in a private practice in Warren, Mich. Megan plans to follow in his footsteps - and his specialty.
"I like how he helps people, and he can help me with studying," she said. "If I ever have a question, then I can call him up for help."
Smart move.