Area high school students attend Upstate's MedQuest camp to learn about health care careers

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- For two dozen high school juniors and seniors from across Central New York, this summer is not only an opportunity to enjoy the sun but to also gain valuable hands-on experience in health care by attending Upstate Medical University’s MedQuest Health Careers Exploration Camp, a four-day medical intensive program that runs from July 13 to 16.

During the program, MedQuest students stay on campus at one of Upstate’s residence halls and participate in a variety of activities, workshops, and campus tours to introduce them to clinical health career opportunities.

“By introduce our local students early on to medical careers and demonstrating the basic training needed for these positions, MedQuest helps to generate interest in the health care industry and encourage students as they continue their education,” said MedQuest organizer Nakeia Chambers, who serves as Upstate’s director of multicultural recruitment. “We hope that by attending the program, students have a better understanding of all the health care careers Central New York offers.”

MedQuest students tour Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, get an overview of medical imaging techniques, and learn more about careers in respiratory care, cardiovascular perfusion, radiation therapy and physical therapy. Students also visit Upstate’s Emergency Medicine Simulation Technology and Training Center, where health care personnel learn how to care for critically ill patients in a risk-free environment.

Michael Gugino, a Cazenovia High School senior and teen volunteer at Upstate, feels MedQuest offers opportunities to explore health care careers that many would not have considered before.

“I first heard about MedQuest through volunteering at Upstate, and thought I could gain some great field work.” said Gugino. “I wanted to go to school to be an anesthesiologist, but as I explore other fields I am looking into other options, like becoming a physician’s assistant.”

Upstate’s MedQuest Camp offers more than 15 workshops on topics such as patient confidentiality, cell development, fitness and more. More than 12 hands-on activities will be available for students, including, suturing, casting and acupuncture.

Enrollment in MedQuest is open to students from Central New York who will be entering the 11th and 12th grades who are interested in science and health careers.

In addition to Upstate, MedQuest is sponsored by the Central New York Area Health Education Center.

Caption: Students in Upstate Medical University's MedQuest program check out a medical helicopter from high atop the Upstate University Hospital helipad.