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An aunt who had a difficult time in childbirth. A grandfather who died after complications with diabetes. A family history of nursing. These are a few reasons that 35 high school students from Illinois and Missouri came to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s annual Healthcare Diversity Summer Camp.

The collaborative camp, held June 17-21, exposed students to career opportunities in the healthcare industry, and was hosted by the SIUE Schools of Pharmacy (SOP) and Nursing (SON), the SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) and the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) nutrition program. The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Network of Southern Illinois served as a partner again in this year’s camp.

“Diversity is vital to meet the growing needs of our world, country and local communities,” said Lakesha Butler, PharmD, clinical professor in the SOP’s Department of Pharmacy Practice and camp coordinator. “Many of the participants are from underserved areas and have a passion to go back and educate their own families and communities. Minority communities are disproportionately stricken by numerous health conditions. Imagine the impact these students can make in their own communities. They now know what it takes to achieve their goals, and we plan to be a continued resource as they navigate toward their desired future careers in healthcare.”

The week consisted of interactive and hands-on activities, presentations regarding the various healthcare fields, a sample of college life and an overview of the ACT.

SIUE’s nutrition program started the camp on Monday. “We presented information on what it takes to become a registered dietitian (RD), as well as some of the career options/places of employment for RD’s,” said Jen Zuercher, PhD, RD, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Health. “We also provided examples of nutrition information, and the guidance dietitians provide for the public/clients/patients. Then we gave them an opportunity to work with that information.”

“There are a lot of fad diets out there, and there is a lot of sickness,” Zuercher continued. “RD’s are extremely beneficial, can help consumers and patients wade through the misinformation and figure out how to be truly healthy.”

Having a diverse pool of registered dietitians will benefit the field of nutrition, according to Kathy Mora, PhD, RD, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Health.

“Our populations and communities are diverse,” she added. “We need skilled and culturally sensitive professionals working with diverse populations and individuals to improve health and wellness.”

On Tuesday, campers discovered the breadth of opportunities in the field of nursing and got to explore with hands-on learning in the SON’s simulation lab.

“We hope that students leave with an interest in wanting to attend SIUE School of Nursing and knowledge of requirements needed to be admitted into the School,” said Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Primary Care and Health Systems Nursing, director of the Student Nurse Achievement Program (SNAP) and coordinator for diversity. “We also want them to understand the importance of science courses in high school and the diverse roles in which nurses can practice. We also give students information regarding the resources available to them if they were to attend our SON, such as the Student Nurse Achievement Program.”

 “I’m not sure what kind of nursing I want to pursue,” said Jaylen Bey, a senior at Madison Senior High School. “But nursing is a family tradition. I enjoy it and am good in science.”

De’Shiya Hughes, a junior at East St. Louis Senior High School, knows specifically what she wants to do.

“I want to be a pediatric surgeon. Nursing is interesting to me. I want to know how the body works. I want to see the organs and how everything fits together,” said Hughes, who said she wished she could have done more to help her grandfather who died in January.

Christy Nguyen, a senior at Belleville High School, echoes some similar sentiments.

“What inspired me to go into nursing is when I watched my aunt gave birth in front of me in Vietnam,” she explained. “She was having complications, but the baby was OK.”

On Wednesday, campers traveled to the SIU SDM, where they learned about good study habits and how the body works. Students participated in physiology, anatomy and dentistry exercises.

“Dentistry offers a chance at being your own boss and the ability to work in a variety of specializations in the field,” said Cornell Thomas, DDS, SIU SDM assistant dean. “A career in the dental profession affords students the opportunity to ‘make a difference’ in the smiles and overall health of all the participants they encounter. There is also a growing interest in the field, especially for women and minorities.”

Taylor Brown, a senior at SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, wants to be an orthodontist.

“I’ve wanted to be a dentist since I was 10 years old. When I went to my dentist, he made me feel comfortable, and going to him was fun,” said Brown. “I want to do the same for other children.”

Reagyn Goscinski, a junior at Freeburg High School, also thinks dentistry is fun.

“You can better people’s lives and make them the best they can be by providing good oral healthcare,” Goscinski said.

The campers ended their introduction to healthcare on Thursday at the SOP.

“The beginning of my exposure to pharmacy occurred when I attended SIUE’s Healthcare Diversity Camp,” said Christian Watts, SOP second-year student, former camp participant and this year’s camp lead chaperone.

“I was a participant in the summer diversity camp during my junior year of high school,” recalled Watts. “The camp served as a pivotal point in my life. I did not know which college I should have attended. Neither did I know which school of pharmacy to which I should apply. The welcoming atmosphere and presentation completed by the faculty and current students was influential and drew me in.”

 “This camp serves as direction for a vast number of students each summer within Missouri and Illinois,” he continued. “Without this camp, I possibly would have chosen a major that did not fit my character. I know several students who are products of the camp and are succeeding in healthcare studies and professions.”

Attending the camp also helped one camper make up her mind as to what healthcare career to pursue.

“I was interested in both nursing and pharmacy,” said Zuleima Cortez, a junior at Plainfield South High School. “During the camp, I enjoyed pharmacy the most because of the skills needed to pursue the career. Communication skills are vital since a pharmacist is one of the last healthcare professionals to speak to a patient, and I would like to be able to explain what the patient is receiving.”

“I also learned about the experiences of a college student, both in and out of the classroom, and about the application process at SIUE,” said Cortez. “My summer camp experience at SIUE is one I will never forget, and I thank the faculty, teachers and students for providing and contributing to this amazing opportunity.” 

Photos:
L-R: Michaela Helm, of Fairview Heights, and Tiffany Nguyen, of St. Louis, listen to Kathy Mora, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Health.

Family Health and Community Health Nursing instructor Jean LaFollette talks to student about patient care. L-R: LaFollette, De’Shiya Hughes, of East St. Louis; Rondee Johnson, of Homewood; and Taylar Marshall, of East St. Louis.

L-R: Melaina Harsey, third-year SIU SDM student, and Taylor Brown, senior at SIUE East St. Louis Senior

Holle Wagner, a junior at Freeburg High School, participate in a hands-on pharmacy practice activity led by Miranda Wilhelm, PharmD, clinical associate professor in SOP’s Department of Pharmacy Practice. Looking on are Starteese Scott (left) and Taylor Gladney, both juniors at East St. Louis High School.