Delaware Valley area students spend day at UHS MASH Camp

Eleventh and twelfth graders from five high schools spent a day at UHS Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton, getting hands-on experiences in a multitude of departments. Called MASH Camp, the event gives students the opportunity to learn more about a variety of healthcare careers, so they may discover more about which fields they may most enjoy pursuing.

Students met with primary care physician Michael J. Freeman, DO, MPH, MBA and his nurse, Kay, to get a sense of their roles caring for patients in an outpatient provider office. They also met with staff from the lab, imaging center (radiology), cardiopulmonary services (respiratory therapy), physical and occupational therapy.

The inpatient medical department, ambulatory services and emergency room were also explored. The pharmacist Delaware Valley Hospital Community Pharmacy also spent time with the students.

During their time at UHS DVH, they were able to examine lab samples, see what equipment is used during some major emergency cases, learn about the educational requirements for the various positions, and the regional schools that offer those degrees.

The 20 students were from the Walton, Hancock, Downsville, Deposit and Franklin schools. UHS DVH MASH Camp is held over two days, with students picking which day they prefer to attend. The event is coordinated each year through the hospital’s human resource department and is an excellent way to help students assess the degree of interest they have in pursuing a healthcare field.