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High school students from Illinois and Missouri received valuable information that answered questions and solidified desires to pursue healthcare career choices during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s annual collaborative Healthcare Diversity Summer Camp, held virtually from Monday, June 15-Friday, June 19. 

The camp 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 nutrition program. Twenty students, ranging from sophomores to seniors, participated in this year’s online camp, which ran from 9 a.m.-noon each day. Students learned about each field through presentations and videos. 

The camp has been held for 11 years, because SIUE recognizes the importance of diversity in healthcare, according to Lakesha Butler, PharmD, BCPS, clinical professor in the SOP’s Department of Pharmacy Practice.  

“The percentage of underrepresented minorities in medical fields such as pharmacy, nursing and dental medicine continues to be lower than the national average of underrepresented minorities in the general population,” Butler explained. “The need for qualified healthcare professionals, who are culturally competent to treat minority patients, is becoming greater as the minority population continues to grow.” 

Students were inquisitive during the nursing portion, according to Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN, CCP, SIUE WE CARE Clinic director and SON coordinator of diversity. 

“The students engaged in virtual scenarios, which allowed them to critically think about different aspects of nursing,” said Ampadu. “Several patient rooms in our simulation lab were set up, and we took students on a virtual tour of each room. Students were able to ask questions regarding the role of the nurse.” 

“I absolutely loved the nursing day! It answered all my questions, and now I know for sure this is the field I want to pursue,” said Zara Bahrainwala, a junior at Metea Valley High School in Aurora. She plans on becoming a neonatal or obstetrics nurse practitioner. “I would love to work alongside doctors and help someone get back to their ideal health. It would be the most rewarding experience ever.” 

On pharmacy day, students learned how pharmacists are one of the most trusted and accessible healthcare professionals, noted Butler.

“They heard from SIUE minority pharmacy students about their paths in pharmacy school and future career plans, and heard words of advice,” she said. “Additionally, students learned what tasks pharmacists perform from SOP pharmacy practice faculty such as a community pharmacist, a psychiatric pharmacist and an ambulatory care pharmacist.” 

 “I was most interested in pharmacy, because I wanted to learn more about the background of the medicine that we put in our bodies,” said Evelyn Gutierrez, a junior at Pritzker College Prep in Chicago. “I also liked learning that I can help people take the right prescription.” 

 On the SDM day, students took part in a presentation about anatomy and physiology, and took a virtual tour of the Alton campus and surrounding area, according to Cornell C. Thomas, DDS, SDM assistant dean for admissions and student services. 

“I believe they understood the sessions well,” noted Thomas. “I wanted them to realize that regardless of what healthcare field they choose, we all rely on each other for the betterment of the patient. I interact with pharmacy and medicine constantly, when I am treating a patient in my private practice.” 

“An evaluation of anonymous camp participant surveys over four years, prior to adding nutrition, showed that the Healthcare Diversity Summer Camp is effective in increasing students’ awareness of pharmacy, dental and nursing careers,” said Butler. “Additionally, a ‘Where are they now?’ study showed that out of the past participants surveyed, 95% reported sustained interest and pursuit of a degree in healthcare. This data showcases success of the camp by meeting the goal of increasing interest of minority high school students to pursue healthcare majors and careers.” 

Photo:
Participating in this year’s Healthcare Diversity Summer Camp from left to right: Lakesha Butler, PharmD, BCPS, clinical professor in the SOP’s Department of Pharmacy Practice; Cornell C. Thomas, DDS, SDM assistant dean for admissions and student services; and Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN, CCP, SIUE WE CARE Clinic director and SON coordinator of diversity. Not shown is Jennifer Zuercher, PhD, assistant professor and program director of SIUE’s Nutrition Program.