Undergraduate students explore world of medicine at NEOMED’s MEDCAMP
To continue to build the pipeline of professionals for in-demand health careers, NEOMED hosts an annual MEDCAMP, an intensive summer day camp for undergraduate students who are aspiring physicians, medical researchers and healthcare professionals from regional universities and colleges. Established in 1991, MEDCAMP offers an unparalleled hands-on experience, immersing participants in biomedical science workshops, clinical problem solving and an introduction to the dynamic field of clinical medicine.
Each year, several medical and pharmacy students step into mentorship roles as camp counselors, collaborating closely with faculty physicians and guest speakers. This partnership provides undergraduate students with an authentic taste of medical school life.
Jacob Fay, a third-year medical student and a counselor as this year’s camp shared, “We aim to give students a first-hand experience at medical training (excluding the 10-hour study days!), and provide them the tools to set themselves up for success before they even set foot in medical school. I am a first-generation medical student myself and had so many questions about the path to medical school. Many times, those questions were never answered or were answered too late. Part of the reason we have MEDCAMP is to answer some of those questions. Each student that I worked with was enthusiastic about medicine and learning. They constantly demonstrated their curiosity and strived to build up their peers. It's great to see the next generation of doctors so enthusiastic about this wonderful profession.”
The camp kicked off with an immediate dive into clinical practice. The 45 students in the program were introduced to a challenging case involving a fictitious patient presenting with a complex illness. Their task: to diagnose the condition and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. The day culminated in a patient interview, allowing students to explore symptoms firsthand.
The following day took students into the heart of NEOMED’s facilities. Alongside professors and medical professionals, they explored anatomy, diagnosis, physiology, neurobiology and microbiology labs. Activities were diverse and engaging, ranging from taking blood pressure and reading pulse oximeters to identifying various bacteria. Through lab work, research and discussions, participants prepared a full history, diagnosis and treatment plan for the fictitious patient.
On the final day of MEDCAMP, students showcased their hard work and newfound knowledge. Each team presented their clinicals findings to an audience of peers, families and faculty, demonstrating what they had learned throughout the week. The camp concluded with the awarding of Certificates of Completion, marking a significant step forward for these aspiring leaders on their journey toward a future in healthcare.
Rebecca Brabrander, program coordinator, believes this year’s camp was a transformative experience for both the NEOMED student counselors and undergraduate students.
"MEDCAMP offers valuable mentorship opportunities with practicing physicians and current NEOMED students, inspiring participants to envision themselves in future healthcare roles," Brabrander said.
PHOTOS
Photos: 45 undergraduates from regional colleges and universities joined MEDCAMP.
Photo: Several medical and pharmacy students step into mentorship roles as camp counselors at MEDCAMP.
Photo: MEDCAMP students capped off the week with team presentations.