A Unique Summer Camp for Future Healthcare Professionals
A summer camp in Fishers is offering high school students a unique opportunity to explore potential careers in the healthcare field. This innovative program, designed by Ascension St. Vincent Fishers, focuses on hands-on learning and real-world scenarios that mirror the daily experiences of medical professionals.
The camp, known as HCAMP — the “Healthcare Academy for Medical Professions” — is a first-of-its-kind initiative in central Indiana. It provides students with an immersive experience where they can try out different roles in healthcare, from physical therapy to surgery, emergency medical services to nursing, and even hospital security. The goal is to expose participants to the wide range of opportunities available in the medical field.
Hands-On Learning Experience
One of the standout features of this camp is its emphasis on practical, hands-on training. Students are not just learning theory; they are engaging in simulations that replicate real-life situations. For instance, during the “stop the bleed” simulation, students practice stuffing gauze into wounds on mannequins that are filled with fake blood. This activity helps them understand the urgency and techniques required in trauma care.
Grace Gutwein, a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, shared her excitement about the experience. “It’s so fun. It’s definitely not what I expected in any aspect, but it’s so fun,” she said. She also noted that the camp has introduced her to job roles she hadn’t previously considered.
Allison Thomas, another participant, echoed similar sentiments. “I’ve learned a lot about what plays into a hospital, more than just doctors and nurses. It takes a village to run a hospital,” she said. This perspective highlights the complexity of the healthcare system and the variety of roles involved.
Real-World Insights from Medical Professionals
Students also have the chance to interact directly with medical professionals who lead the training sessions. These experts share insights about work hours, education requirements, and the differences between various healthcare settings. For example, they discuss the distinctions between inpatient and outpatient physical therapy, providing valuable information that helps students make informed decisions about their future careers.
On Fridays, the camp offers a particularly exciting highlight: a visit from the StatFlight helicopter. This event gives students a glimpse into the world of emergency medical services and the critical role of air ambulances in patient care.
Addressing the Healthcare Workforce Shortage
The need for more healthcare professionals is becoming increasingly urgent. According to Aleks Overbey, president of Ascension St. Vincent Fishers, the state is facing a significant shortage across multiple healthcare fields. There are projections of a substantial physician shortage within the next five years, along with shortages in nurses, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists.
HCAMP aims to address this issue by inspiring students who are already interested in healthcare to pursue careers in the field. “I’m definitely going to get my nursing degree and go into nursing,” Gutwein said. Many other students at the camp share similar aspirations.
Expanding Opportunities for Future Careers
After completing the weeklong camp, students have the opportunity to gain further experience through shadowing and internships. Overbey expressed the hospital’s hope to expand the program to include more students in the following summer, ensuring that more young people can benefit from this unique learning experience.
This initiative not only provides valuable skills and knowledge but also fosters a deeper understanding of the healthcare profession. By combining hands-on activities with real-world insights, HCAMP is helping shape the next generation of healthcare workers.
