ZHS Grad Launches Medical Career

Jun 10, 2025 12:45PM ● By Lauren Pope

2025 ZHS graduate Elizabeth Gaines has already launched her healthcare career through Zachary High School's innovative medical program. Working as a medical assistant at Kyle Lindow's podiatry practice, Elizabeth embodies the success of Zachary High's career-focused education pathways that prepare students for professional careers before graduation.

"I took medical terminology through the high school, which was a prerequisite for the medical assistant class," Gaines explains. The comprehensive program culminated in a certification test, which she passed at the end of her junior year, earning her Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentials.

The program's curriculum balances classroom learning with essential hands-on training. "Each day we had a different lesson. We went through each system of the body," she says. Students learn the complete patient care cycle—from initial assessment through diagnosis and treatment plans. The practical training includes CPR certification, advanced life support, administering injections, and phlebotomy skills.

Beyond classroom learning, Gaines completed a summer internship at Lane Regional Medical Center, coordinated through the school district. "Each day we were in a different rotation in the hospital," she recalls. These rotations offered exposure to various departments, including laboratory, radiology, endoscopy, and general surgery.

The experience proved transformative. "That's when I was like, okay, this is what I want to do," Elizabeth says. Though initially interested in nursing, watching surgeries during her rotation sparked a new passion. Now, she plans to pursue oncology—inspired by her Molly Myers Dance Academy tap dance teacher Lori Hart who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2022.

"It was so hard to see her be drained so much to the point where she couldn't dance anymore, and she would still be there every week to teach us," Gaines remembers. "I want to do something for this."

Dr. Lindow's practice has been an ideal training ground. Gaines started as an assistant last August. She handles electronic medical records and has begun helping with procedures, even administering injections under supervision.

Elizabeth Gaines is pictured next to Dr. Kyle Lindow celebrating his practice being open 1 year at the Zachary location (19850 Old Scenic Hwy., Ste. 300).

This fall, Gaines will attend Mississippi College (soon to be Mississippi Christian University), chosen specifically for its strong pre-med program. "They have a real cadaver lab," she says enthusiastically. "In the South, they're one of the best pre-med programs because they have about 10 classes that are on the med school level where you actually get to take the board exam for that class."

Dr. Lindow praises Gaines's contributions: "She's very reliable, a great helper. She's picked up quickly on everything." The practice now offers scholarships to student workers, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement that provides students with experience while helping the medical office operate efficiently.

Gaines offers advice to younger students: "Don't be scared to take the classes. My freshman year, I started thinking I was going to be an engineer. I took an engineering class and was like, 'no, thank you.'" She encourages students to explore varied interests, adding, "Don't be afraid to pursue other things outside of school. I've been juggling AP classes, dance, and work, and still have time for myself."

Through Zachary High School's career-focused curriculum, Elizabeth Gaines has gained certification, work experience, and clarity about her future—advantages that position her for success in medicine long before she receives her diploma.