AHEC's Health Careers Bootcamp demonstrates the power of interprofessional education
From June 23–25, the Northeast Ohio Regional AHEC Program welcomed 28 undergraduate students to the NEOMED campus for the inaugural Health Careers Bootcamp. Replacing the traditional MEDCAMP, the redesigned "bootcamp" emphasized interprofessional, patient-centered care, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of how healthcare professionals collaborate to achieve the best possible patient outcomes while introducing them to the educational pathways available through NEOMED.
This inaugural program was made possible through the generous support of the faculty and staff from each of NEOMED's colleges, as well as the sponsorship of Mr. Lorenzo ("Lonnie") Coleman of the Coleman Spohn Corporation, whose commitment to developing the future healthcare workforce has helped make this innovative experience possible.
The bootcamp opened with the introduction of a new interdisciplinary patient case study developed by Paul Lecat, M.D., and NEOMED medical students Adi Sreenivas and Jacob Fay, both former MEDCAMP mentors. The case study served as the foundation for learning throughout the three-day experience, allowing students to examine patient care through the perspectives of multiple health professions.
Day One introduced campers to the pharmacist's role in patient care and medication management while showing how medications impact different patients. The day continued with the exploration of the Bitonte College of Dentistry through an interactive session led by Stacy Solomon, D.D.S., Christine Bavola, D.D.S., and Alexandra Ukmar, D.D.S., assistant professors of general dentistry. Circling back to pharmacy, the day concluded with an engaging discussion on medication management presented by Katherine Tromp, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy.
Day Two immersed students in hands-on clinical learning experiences. Following instruction on the proper use of personal protective equipment, participants entered the Anatomy Lab and explored CT imaging with Erin Franks, Ph.D., program director of the Master in Foundations of Medicine. Additional interactive sessions included airway simulation and intubation, CPR and ultrasound techniques led by Nathanial Flath, CAA, program director of the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia. Student mentors guided campers through clinical reasoning exercises before the day concluded with a visit to the Timken Foundation Medical Design and Innovation Center (MEDIC), where Jim Keszenheimer, Ph.D., M.B.A., director of the MEDIC, demonstrated how innovation and technology are transforming healthcare.
Day Three focused on developing practical clinical skills through a series of rotating workshops. Students practiced obtaining basic vital signs with Chelsey Palmer, B.S.N., RN, LSN, director of Eastern Ohio AHEC; Jasmine Hickey, M.O.T., B.S.N., OTR/L, RN, Eastern Ohio AHEC Board Member; and Kelsey Rising, B.S.N., RN, Eastern Ohio AHEC and AHEC Scholar alumna. Additional sessions included heart and lung assessment using Dr. Lecat's Ventriloscope and patient motivational interviewing led by Nino Kovaljesko, M.D., Internal Medicine Resident at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. The NEOMED Admissions team provided an overview of the admissions process, while David Chavan, SPF, U.S. Army, introduced students to military pathways leading to careers in medicine and dentistry.
The afternoon culminated in an immersive interprofessional team simulation from the Wasson Center, where students worked alongside healthcare professionals representing medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, behavioral health, nursing, palliative care and emergency medicine. Faculty participating in the simulation included Brittany Koy, M.D.; Jessica Tomazic, M.D.; Emily Doycich, Pharm.D.; Alexandra Ukmar, D.D.S.; Margy Sanders, M.A., LSW; Harry Sivec, Ph.D.; and Kimberly DePaul, M.S.N., RNC-OB, CNE, CHSE. This capstone experience reinforced the critical importance of communication, collaboration and teamwork in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
Throughout the bootcamp, students also benefited from presentations by distinguished guest speakers. Nicolette Powe, Dr.P.H., M.S., MCHES, presented "Food, Place, and Health: Guin Fit as a Real-World Model for Interprofessional Action." Kim Trowbridge, M.Ed., MCHES, CHC, discussed the role of health coaching in motivating positive behavior change. Marcus Julius, M.D., explored Renzulli's 3-Ring Concept of Giftedness, while Mark Arredondo, M.D., medical director of the NEOMED Free Clinic, shared his experiences with interprofessional practice and its impact on improving community health. Campers were also introduced to the comprehensive support services and resources available through NEOMED Student Services.
The Health Careers Bootcamp concluded with student reflections and the presentation of certificates of participation. Over three intensive days, participants developed foundational clinical skills, explored a broad range of healthcare professions, built meaningful relationships with faculty, students, and practicing healthcare professionals, and experienced firsthand the value of collaborative, team-based care. The inaugural Health Careers Bootcamp successfully fulfilled its mission of inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals while showcasing NEOMED's innovative educational environment and the Northeast Ohio Regional AHEC Program's commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce through interdisciplinary education.
The Northeast Ohio AHEC Regional Program Office extends its sincere gratitude to NEOMED, the deans of each college, and the dedicated faculty and staff whose expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment made the inaugural Health Careers Bootcamp an exceptional success. Their collaboration created a dynamic learning environment that challenged, inspired, and empowered students while demonstrating the transformative impact of interdisciplinary, patient-centered care. The Program Office also expresses its deep appreciation to Mr. Lorenzo ("Lonnie") Spohn and the Coleman Spohn Corporation for their generous support and shared commitment to investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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