Students attend health care camp

Michelle Burgess and Courtney Jeunehomme were among the 65 high school students from across Wyoming and beyond who experienced a wide range of health care career options during the eighth annual University of Wyoming Health Care Careers Summer Camp.

Two groups of students arrived on the UW campus during a two-week period in mid-July. The camp allowed students to observe and actively participate in learning about a variety of health professions, including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, optometry, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and ultrasonography. Students learned about the education requirements needed for many health professions and the numerous job opportunities available upon completion of their training.

Burgess stated there were one- to three-hour classes on aspects in the health care field that most people don't think about, such as counseling, social workers, and pharmacy. Students stayed in Downey Hall for the week, each with a roommate.

"It had a lot of hands-on activities which it was really enjoyable," Burgess stated. "I have always wanted to be in the nursing field since I was young. This camp helped me understand what it's like being the nurse instead of the patient." Burgess was in a car accident two days prior to the camp but still went and noted, "Those three hour classes hurt a lot!"

College of Health Sciences faculty members, along with health care professionals from Ivinson Memorial Hospital and Snowy Range Vision Center in Laramie, gave presentations and provided students with hands-on learning opportunities. Students tried their hands at suturing, giving injections, taking vitals, making insect repellent in the pharmacy lab and casting. In addition, all students earned American Heart Association first aid and CPR certification.

Additional support for the Health Care Careers Summer Camp was provided by the Wyoming State Office of Rural Health, Donor Alliance and the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Medical Education Program.