The John Locke Society
of Greater Kansas City

An Association of Retired Physicians

Looking For a Few Good Teachers! 

   The Caduceus Club is an educational effort originated about 6 years ago by the late Wally McKee and Don Blim to teach health related subjects to 5^th grade children in Kansas City, Missouri.  All the faculty are retired physicians.  The teaching schedule most often involves 2-3 hours per month with two or more physicians assigned to each school.  The mere idea that a physician would give their valuable time to these kids is perhaps as important as the imparting of knowledge, although we have had some measurable success according to the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests. 

   The curriculum consists of 16 lessons and is written by the committee of doctors who have been the teachers.  We continuously assess and revise the curriculum to have the most desired impact on the students.  We use overhead transparencies to illustrate the lessons and rely upon having the students read short paragraphs.  The reading experience is very valuable to these students as well. 

   The Caduceus Club now goes to 5 schools.  We are looking for more retired physicians to help with the expansion to 7 schools this September.  The irregular travel schedules for most physicians does not pose a problem because of the willingness of the established teachers to substitute and for your “partner” to cover when you need to be out of town. 

   If you have any interest in helping please contact Carol Pashman, our coordinator, at 816-536-7072.  If you have questions or would like to explore the experience a little more contact either Don Blim at 816-322-4135 or Keith Ashcraft at 913-362-8884.