OUWB M4 Maya Jaradi knows just how important programs like OUWB’s summer outreach program — CampMed — can be for a young person trying to find their way.
After all, as the first person from her family to go into medicine, mentorship from the field of medicine was limited.
So, she made it a priority to volunteer at CampMed — a two-day event that gives high school students the opportunity to discover more about a career in medicine with the help of OUWB students, faculty, and staff.
“I didn’t have much mentorship, being the first person in my family to go into medicine, so it was important for me to be able to give back to people who come from a similar background,” said Jaradi.
This year was the second for CampMed, which hosted about 100 students across two sessions on July 21-22 and July 24-25.
CampMed is a pathway program that is aimed at high school students, grades nine through 12, and provides exposure to a career in medicine.
Students from across southeast Michigan were able to attend this program for free.
Brandon Harris, coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion, says the program aims to give students an introduction to the field through various forms of experience including panel discussions and hands-on activities.
“They not only get to see what it’s like to be a medical student, but also get to dive into the careers so they can make a determination on what they want to do,” said Harris.
While the format from the previous year has stayed the same, this year students were offered more interactive experiences.
“Last year they only had an anatomy lab but we’re doing simulations this year,” said Harris. “We want to give them the full experience and real scenarios of ‘what would you do in this situation?’”
Day one began with a discussion on medical ethics and deception with Abram Brummett, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies. During the activity, students were given various scenarios to discuss as a group to determine the best course of action for difficult situations doctors often experience.
Brummett expressed that his eagerness to be involved in CampMed was tied to ethics, a part of medicine that can’t be taught with textbooks alone and “to help participants understand that ethics and science are always intertwined in the practice of medicine.”
“(We) focused on how the principle of justice is operationalized into protocols for allocating scarce resources, which is an inherently ethical issue — not a question we can answer with science,” he said.
The event also offered a panel discussion with four current medical students at OUWB.
The panelists were Jarardi; Jordan Kamen, M3; Jade Ayers, M4; and Gloria Lee, M2.
Throughout the panel, students asked questions about various topics including study tips, the differences between undergrad and medical school, and details about OUWB.
Students ended day one with a medical skills simulation experience where they learned the introductory skills medical students learn about checking patient vitals.
Stephanie Marcincavage, director, Clinical Skills Training and Simulation Center, led a hands-on session where participants learned about various examination techniques. In one example, students looked into each other’s pupils to practice assessing size, shape, symmetry, and reaction to light.
“It was a great way to give high schoolers in our own community an opportunity to see a sneak peek into what our students get to do at OUWB’s CSC,” she said. “Many of the high schoolers had great questions about what our students learn and how long it takes to ‘get good’ at different skills.”
Marcincavage added that “It was great to partner with our current learners and see them share all their knowledge.”
Day two included a hands only CPR experience, first step career skills discussion, and a Friday night in the ER simulation where students navigated how to manage a hospital during a simulated 24-hour period.
Throughout the two-day event, students stayed engaged in both discussions and activities, reflecting the overall success of the program and their eagerness to learn more about the field.
Mireya Savala, a senior at Birmingham Groves High School, reflected on her experience at CampMed highlighting the exposure to various areas of the field.
“I am interested in pediatrics and thought that medicine was a good way to reach people,” said Savala. “[CampMed] gives me a better idea of what to expect and to understand [areas of the field] I wouldn’t really think about,” said Savala.
As CampMed wrapped up, students were given certificates to highlight their achievement of attendance and were provided with surveys to better the program for upcoming years.
Harris reflected on his favorite part of the program and the importance of programs like CampMed for high school students.
“Getting to see how they respond to these experiences,” said Harris. “I would be grateful to have something like that if I was in high school attending something like CampMed.”
Both within the panel and outside of it Jaradi emphasized the importance of involvement, connecting back to the very reason she was involved in CampMed. She encouraged high school students to do the same.
“Reach for the stars and really try to apply yourself and make as many connections as you can, and really just take some risks,” said Jaradi. “It’s important to get these experiences early on and just see where it takes you. That’s how you end up having unique experiences and finding your path in medicine.”
To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.
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