FDT in Action

Why it Matters

Philadelphia has some of the highest rates of preventable hospitalizations in the country. At the same time, science and health education remain under-resourced in many schools. Future Doctors Teach bridges this gap through mentorship, science literacy, and meaningful relationships between future doctors and their future patients.

What We Do

Future Doctors Teach places medical student volunteers into K–12 classrooms to co-teach weekly science lessons. Lessons are built around students’ real questions—“Why do teeth grow?” “Can a dragon breathe fire?”—and help them connect science to their bodies, lives, and futures. Our goal: build a generation of more health-literate students and more community-connected doctors.

Voices From the Field

“The kids have been so excited. They ask every week, ‘When are the doctors coming?’... They’re talking about science and medicine and seeing themselves in those futures.”

— Mrs. Schwartz, Partner Teacher  

Session Highlights

Operation Stet​hoscope

What It Is

  • Operation Stethoscope gives every student in our program a personal stethoscope. It’s not just a science tool ​— it’s a symbol of care, curiosity, and possibility.      
  • Students learn how their bodies work, ask their own health questions, and begin to see science as something they can connect with and succeed in.

Why It Matters

Science often feels distant in schools, but Operation Stethoscope makes it personal. We create hands-on lessons that:

  • Teach students how to listen to their heart and lungs
  • Build trust between young people and future healthcare providers
  •  Spark early interest in health and science careers 
  • While most children have seen a stethoscope, few have ever used one. By placing this tool in their hands and teaching them to hear their own hearts for the first time, we help them envision themselves as medical professionals. We don't just want future doctors teaching—we want to be teaching future doctors.

Program Highlig​hts

  • Over 100 students have received a personal stethoscope!
  • More than 30 hours of lessons covering anatomy, circulation, and the human body have been provided to Philadelphia students!
  • Over 50 students visited the Franklin Institute to celebrate their participation in the program!

Student Voices

“I didn’t know your heart could sound different when you stand up.” – 5th Grade Student 

“I’m going to be a doctor one day. This helps me get ready.” – 3rd Grade Student

Support this Work

Your gift helps us expand Operation Stethoscope to more classrooms across Philadelphia.

Only $10 covers one stethoscope for one student.
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