Middle schoolers learn about medical professions through new summer camp

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Middle schoolers are getting a chance to learn about different medical professions through a new summer camp.

Students from grades 6th through 8th are learning about different health care careers and medical fields.

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation,  along with the Kentucky Hospital Association and the LFCUG Work-Lexington program created the ‘Future Healers’ health care exploration summer camp this year.

There were around 40 applicants and only 25 middle schoolers were picked for the program.

Amy Glasscock, with the city of Lexington, says the idea for the camp came after the organizations saw the need to expose kids to different career paths.

“High school is were they really start identifying their career academies, career pathways,” said Glasscock. “So we really wanted to give them the opportunity, if healthcare was a pathway they might choose to explore all those different opportunities in healthcare.”

Now, with the camp in its second day, students have been able to take tours of Saint Joseph Hospital and UK Healthcare, as well as get CPR and first aid certifications.

They are also learning surgical skills like suturing and experience virtual reality medical simulations.

Sarah Bentley with UK says over the two days they have seen more interest from the students in the form of questions.

“And that’s a good sign when they start to ask more questions, because that means they’re inquiring and they’re digging in,” said Bentley. “So, that’s exactly what we want to do with these types of activities and the partnerships that we have within the hospitals. We want all of the students to see all of the different things and really expose them to different parts of it so that they can build that curiosity.”

Bentley thinks it’s amazing to see not only the students who are participating but to see the city creating a camp like this.

She adds it’s exciting to see them building the next generation of healthcare professionals not only for Lexington, but also for Kentucky.

“It’s great to see their energy and their excitement to learn about the different aspects,” said Bentley. “It’s been amazing. It’s renewing for those of us in healthcare to see the excitement to learn more about these professions.”

The campers will end with tour of one of Baptist Health’s campuses.