This wraps up my summer activities. I had an opportunity to be part of a “Scrubs and Scopes” camp at a local Children’s hospital. During my camp experience, I got to dive into various healthcare roles, each one offering a unique perspective on the medical field.
GI CNA: I spent time working as a GI CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), where I had the task of checking in on and rooming 67 patients a day. Cleaning was a huge part of the job, and I used a lot of sanitary wipes—around 20 per room—so I had to move fast. There was one chaotic moment when I ran out of wipes and had to call Central Services because I couldn’t find any in the storage rooms. One memorable interaction was with a toddler who didn’t want to leave their mom’s arms for a weigh-in. We figured out a creative solution by weighing both mom and child together and then just the mom to subtract the difference. I even had to check in some patients via Zoom, which was a new experience for me.
Pharmacy Rounds: I shadowed a pharmacist during rounds in the GI unit, where I was part of a team that included a GI doctor, a nurse practitioner, a pharmacist, 2 residents, and 2 fourth-year medical students. We saw 15 patients from 7:30 am to noon. Pre-rounds involved the residents and medical students conducting check-ups and physical exams on the patients before presenting their findings during rounds. I asked a medical student what they liked most about rounds, and they humorously replied, “when they end.” The pharmacist played a crucial role, answering questions about medicines and dosages, and addressing any concerns the team had. Some team members had computers or monitors attached to rolling tables, making it easier to move from room to room and floor to floor.
Nuclear Medicine: In the Nuclear Medicine department, I learned about PET scans. I watched as radioactive isotopes were mixed into oatmeal or mac and cheese, which the patients then ate. We tracked a child’s digestion over four hours by taking photos of their abdomen every 15 minutes. Between these snapshots, the child got to watch a movie, making the long process a bit more bearable.
Chemistry Lab: My time in the Chemistry Lab was eye-opening. The lab was not sterile, and the temperature was comfortable. Everyone there had an MLS (Medical Laboratory Science) degree. I wore a blue cloth over my clothes for protection and got hands-on experience with testing calcium and plasma levels. The tests themselves took about 55 minutes, but the machine could run multiple tests at once. Before testing patient samples, the scientist ran control tests to ensure the machine was working correctly. I saw the scientist preparing around 25-35 vials for different patients, showcasing the detailed and precise work that goes on behind the scenes.
Each of these experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the various roles within healthcare and the teamwork required to ensure patients receive the best care possible.