On Wednesday, February 26, DLS STEM Coordinator Mr. Scott Husken met with approximately 30 alumni - members of the Pilot Medical Association - to introduce the new Biomedical Science Curriculum. 

In the words of Dr. Jeff Fisher, Class of 1996, Husken’s presentation was “jaw dropping.”

Husken said the five-path STEM curriculum will be implemented in August 2025 when the Steve and Kathy McShane STEM Innovation Center is completed. 

Then Husken showed a video of an Anatomage Table, a 3D visualization technology that specializes in digitizing real human bodies into interactive, fully functional digital models.

Several institutions are already using the 3D “Cadaver” Technology, including the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School; very few high schools have one. 

The Anatomage Table costs over $100,000, and Husken said that while costly, the opportunities for student learning are incredible. 

Dr. Fisher, a pediatrician who is also certified in internal medicine, said he was unaware of the technology. 

“As a parent, I am really excited,” Fisher said. “My son is a sophomore, and I have a seventh-grader. This Anatomage Table is cutting edge. There are so many possibilities for not only students - high school and medical students - but also having what is essentially an MRI that has ‘layers’ to help with diagnosis and with surgeries.” 

Fisher added, “I can’t wait to tell the doctors in my office about this.”

“The Anatomage Table is a very powerful piece of technology,” Husken said. “This equipment would enhance not just our science classes, but also our successful HOSA club."

According to the DLS Advancement Director Greg Esler, some alumni have already pledged their financial support. “In order to make this happen, we need more alumni support for this game-changing endeavor,” Esler added. 

When Steve McShane donated the funds to create the STEM Center, he said, “My dream is ambitious: to transform De La Salle into one of the premier schools for STEM education in the State of Michigan, a school that kindles curiosity and promises fulfillment of that dream.”

The Biomedical Curriculum

Husken said that alumni are vital to the success of the Biomedical Science path, with the ability to provide expertise with guest lectures,  mentorships, and internships.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), about 1.9 million openings are projected each year in medical occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace retired workers or those who have left the field.

“There is going to be a huge demand for workers in the medical field,” Husken said. “Besides the need to replace retiring medical professionals, the diet and sedentary lifestyle of the average American will continue to expand the medical field in the future.” 

Husken said the Biomedical path will include four classes:

•     Principles of Biomedical Science
•     Human Body Systems 
•     Biomedical Innovation
•     Medical Interventions

The Principles of Biomedical Science class will be implemented in August 2025, and open to all students in grades 10-12. The class will have a heavy emphasis on medical terminology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology. 

The Human Body Systems course, scheduled to begin in the 2026-2027 school year, will cover anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, and laboratory research. 

Husken notes that the courses are designed to enhance the curriculum, not replace the traditional classes such as Advanced Placement Chemistry, Advanced Placement Biology, and Advanced Placement Physics.

In addition to the Biomedical curriculum, students will be able to follow the Engineering, Computer Science, Aviation, or Graphic Arts pathways. Students can take classes from multiple pathways. 

Current DLS teachers will receive additional training through Project Lead the Way, which provides online training. DLS Science teacher Mrs. Mary Balamucki will be training during the spring of 2025 to teach the Biomedical class.