A group of Lakeland’s top aspiring medical professionals recently stepped out of the classroom and into the front lines of global healthcare innovation. Twelve seniors from the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Innovation program conducted an exclusive field trip to the headquarters of Zimmer Biomet in Warsaw, Indiana. As a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of hip, knee, and joint replacement technology, Zimmer Biomet provided a high-tech backdrop for students to see their curriculum in action.
During the visit, the seniors—all in their fourth year of the rigorous Biomedical Science pathway—toured the facility’s main production areas. The highlight of the trip was a deep dive into the product testing lab, where students observed joint replacements undergoing rigorous motion simulations to ensure durability and patient safety.
"Seeing these life-changing devices move from the design phase to the testing lab gives our students a unique perspective on the intersection of engineering and medicine," said Sherry Severson, the program instructor.
The Biomedical Science program is a cornerstone of Lakeland’s diverse graduation pathways. The program has a storied history of preparing students for high-stakes careers in the medical field. Lakeland alumni from this pathway have successfully transitioned into roles including:
Clinical Practitioners: Doctors, Pharmacists, and Nurses.
Rehabilitation Specialists: Physical and Occupational Therapists.
Diagnostic Experts: Medical, Lab, Radiology, and Sonography Technicians.
This field trip serves as a capstone experience for the PLTW seniors, bridging the gap between high school academics and the professional medical world.