Sept. 19, 2019 – CAST Med High School celebrated its grand opening today by revealing that they have approximately 40 industry partnerships committed to linking students to exciting mentoring, job shadow, internship, field trip, guest speaker series, and service-learning events. The partnerships will allow students to:  
- Shadow physicians through partnerships with Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, UT Health, the SAVE clinic, the University Health System, and the Bexar County Medical Society. 
- Be exposed to a weekly guest speaker series to learn about the various medical, biomedical, and public health opportunities in San Antonio and the unique career paths taken by professionals in the field.
- Participate in field trips and service-learning opportunities that will offer students important perspective outside of the four walls of the classroom. 

CAST Med Principal Eddie Rodriguez hailed local community members, including local colleges and universities such as San Antonio Community College and the University of Texas at San Antonio who are helping students earn up to two years of college credit and providing exciting summer learning opportunities. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of the San Antonio Independent school district, the CAST Schools Network, Brooks, the families and students who believe in our mission, and all our amazing partners,” Principal Rodriguez said. “Each partnership represents an opportunity for our students, and a door to their future.”

School leaders and students provided tours of the recently renovated building, showcasing the Anatomage Medical Table used to teach students about human anatomy, and highlighting the school’s unique academic approach including dual-language programming. 

Dr. Ron Rodriguez, Urology professor at UT Health San Antonio, said he was proud to be associated with the school and excited to help develop the next generation of medical, biomedical and public health professionals. With its diverse pathways and emphasis on dual-language, Dr. Ron Rodriguez called the offering revolutionary. 

“This year there are students taking math classes in Spanish and in the coming years there will be students learning medical terminology in Spanish,” Dr. Ron Rodriguez said. “This means that one day the Spanish-speaking person who you treat will be able to understand you and will not be afraid to ask questions. In a city like San Antonio, this is invaluable as we work to bring greater parity to healthcare professions.”

CAST Schools Network Board Chair Kate Rogers said the schools were created with a “vision to rethink the high school experience and create an environment that will empower students to find their passion and imagine their place in the world.” 

“We also strive to more fully understand and help fill the workforce needs of our industry partners,” she added. “Today, the CAST Schools are doing both. They are creating a bridge so students can find the career of their dreams and employers can find the employees they desire.” 

CAST Med is adding to the pipeline of much-needed doctors and researchers in the San Antonio area by offering students an opportunity to pursue careers in the medical, biomedical research, and public health fields. 

CAST Med is part of the CAST Schools Network. Open to all Bexar County students, the Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) Schools include high schools CAST Tech, CAST STEM and CAST Med, and the Advanced Learning Academy.