Eight students from the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont participated in a Med-Stem Camp at Iredell Memorial Hospital during July. The camp, hosted by Iredell Health System, introduced students to various healthcare careers and departments within the hospital.
The program allowed students to learn about areas such as cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, emergency services, maintenance, biomedical engineering, radiation therapy, and skilled nursing. Staff members led activities and games designed to give participants practical experience.
Rishidharan Jayakumar, one of the students, said, “I was really interested in the operating room and learning about the different surgical equipment. My goal is to become a neurosurgeon.”
The endoscopy department provided a hands-on activity using a scope. Student Blake Sabatino commented, “My favorite department was endoscopy as we got to participate a hands-on activity.”
Additional activities included an ambulance tour, visiting the helicopter pad, dressing for an operating room tour, and viewing the morgue.
Isabella Cuesta expressed her interest in surgery: “It was fascinating how they work as a team in the operating room. I loved getting to see a surgery in action!”
Angela Whicker, Education Specialist at Iredell Health System, said staff were pleased to share their work with students. “I love working with students,” she said. “Med Stem Camp is filled with adventures waiting to be discovered.” Whicker added that hands-on learning provides valuable information for high school students considering career paths: “The students receive valuable information through hands-on learning that prepares them for the future.”
Iredell Health System stated it values opportunities to support future healthcare professionals through community partnerships like this camp.
