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NMCSD’s VolunTEEN Summer Program Continues to Succeed
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Celia Martin
Naval Medical Center San Diego’s 2024 VolunTEEN program concluded with two graduation ceremonies July 10-11 with much praise from both parents and participants.
This was the third year, and largest group yet for the program, with 64 teens from all over San Diego's military-connected community signing up to participate.
After four weeks of participating in this science, technology, engineering and math program, VolunTEENS walk away with greater insight, understanding and appreciation of a diverse range of activities that occur at a medical treatment facility.
“The VolunTEEN Summer Program brings teens ages 14-17 to the command, giving them the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and learn about military medicine,” said Lt. Amanda Peeler, a Physical Therapist at NMCSD and Mission Viejo, Calif. native. “They participate in medical simulations in the Simulation Center, learn to make splints in the Orthopedics cast room, create a video in the production room, learn to suture, and many other activities that bring life to health care and science careers.”
In addition to the hands-on activities, the teens also have the opportunity to speak directly with both officer and enlisted providers, practitioners, and corpsmen, offering them various prospectives on the services military medicine provides, and the many opportunities available for them in the health care field.
“It is important to introduce careers in STEM fields, including professions in healthcare and military medicine, to teens,” added Peeler. “This experience is unique by providing hands-on activities within various healthcare departments and provides direct contact to providers and practitioners within the field, allowing teens both to be exposed to careers and the opportunity to ask questions about the educational pathway.”
The positive feedback from the participants is indicative of the success of the program overall, and the many hours that are put into the planning, preparation and execution of the program by the command STEM office, Peeler, and Thomas Twigg, NMCSD’s volunteer coordinator.
“I really enjoyed the VolunTEEN program,” said Gianna, a first-year participant. “…I was most interested in the cardiovascular field. I appreciate all the time and effort everyone put in to make this program as fun and engaging as possible. Thank you!”
When asked how many of the participants were interested in a career in the medical field, many hands were often raised, and this program helps to narrow down the field of interest for them.
“This program was very fun,” said Joshua, a 2024 VolunTEEN. “I feel like I learned a lot from the time I’ve been here and it’s helped solidify the fact that I want to be a doctor.”
The teens leave NMCSD not only with more knowledge and hands-on experience in different fields of medicine, but with new friendships and memories.
“The program was a huge success,” added Peeler. “We had engagement from both the teens and the command’s staff. The teens developed friendships with each other, and the feedback shows that.”
The success of the VolunTEEN summer program wouldn’t be as high as it is without the staff and volunteers who put in the time to make it all possible.
“I want to give a special thanks to the Armed Services YMCA and Red Cross,” said Twigg. “They supported the program and the participants by providing snacks to keep them fueled and graduation cupcakes for them on their last day.”
The mission of NMCSD is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality health care services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research. NMCSD employs more than 5,000 active-duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in southern California to provide patients with world-class care. Anchored in Excellence, Committed to Health!
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2024 14:15 |
| Story ID: | 476244 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 135 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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