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FEATURE
CAST

Med:

Creating a Pipeline

of Doctors and

Researchers in

San Antonio

By: Eddie Muzquiz Rodriguez, PhD

In August 2019, CAST Med will open its doors at Brooks, inspiring
the next generation of medical professionals and adding to the much-
needed pipeline of doctors and researchers in San Antonio. The
school will be a place where the classroom meets the real world
through experiential learning and where educators work with students
to address their needs and ignite their passion, creating opportunity
for all students in San Antonio.
With 1 in 6 employed individuals in San Antonio working in health
care or biomedical sciences, it is one of the largest and fastest-grow-
ing sectors in the local economy. CAST Med will focus on connecting
students to three career pathways: medical, biomedical research, and
public health. Its first class of 150 9th graders will begin in August
2019.
Open to all Bexar County students, the school will be tuition-free
and, unlike magnet schools, does not have any entrance requirements.
CAST Med is open to all students who are eager to dive into medical
careers and or research and hungry for a flexible and dynamic learning
experience, one that accounts for their voices in helping shape the
classroom.
Providing a strong foundation in math and science with small class
sizes, CAST Med will also embed college coursework so all students
have the chance to graduate with 30 hours of college credit from the
partnering community college. School partners include UT Health,
the University of Texas at San Antonio and San Antonio College.
Some initial partners include the Bexar County Medical Society, the
Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and Mission Trail Baptist Hospital.
Hospital partners are working now with school leaders to design path-
ways and curriculums, ensuring that students are receiving instruction
that mirrors the real world and fills gaps in workforce needs.

28 San Antonio Medicine • March 2019