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UNC Excursion to School of Dentistry and Gillings School of Public Health For Durham and Orange County Scholars
The scholars learned about the nine dental specialties and essential oral health tips, such as the importance of proper timing when brushing teeth after consuming acidic drinks. After the tours, two Black female dentists shared their unique journeys into dentistry, highlighting the importance of creating your own life narrative. This discussion emphasized the value of perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges. Scholars were inspired to consider how their own diverse backgrounds and experiences could shape their future careers. Then dentists then facilitated a friendly competition between teams of scholars. Only allowed to select 3 items, each team designed a toothbrush that would clean the surface of an item that mirrored the surface of a tooth. https://youtu.be/YueUUelkqFg?feature=shared
The tour of the UNC Gillings School of Public Health introduced students to the field of public health and the variety of academic programs offered. The scholars engaged in a discussion of real-world examples of public health initiatives that impact our daily lives, from nutrition labeling to safety measures like seatbelt use. During the discussion, many scholars admitted to not having many Black successful role models in their personal lives. Cornelius Williams, Assistant Director of Admissions, and Vice Dean Dr. Robert Smith, III not only taught scholars about the field of public health, but they also imparted invaluable life lessons about what it means to be a Black patient in a hospital without an advocate. Dr. Smith provided his contact information to the students, developing their professional network from a young age. This experience provided students with both academic insights and profound personal reflections, enriching their understanding of public health and affirming their identities.
East Carolina University Excursion for eastern North Carolina Scholars
The Eastern NC camp held their off-campus experience at East Carolina University’s (ECU) Brody School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and College of Nursing. While in the Brody School of Medicine, scholars learned crucial life-saving skills, including performing a sternal rub, checking pulses, CPR, and using an AED. Their hands-on experiences extended to basic airway management techniques, applying a tourniquet, and managing severe bleeding.
Through practical exercises, scholars mastered basic airway management using bag-valve masks and intubation procedures. Dr. Calvin Blocker, a 3rd year ECU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation resident, taught students about cardiology. He provided insights into the brain’s anatomy, causes of aneurysms, and how to maintain proper blood pressure through both models and real cadavers.
https://youtu.be/kHrIH43-AiQ?si=beO2Z3dRCLkxtVaA
At ECU’s School of Dental Medicine, scholars engaged in many interactive activities that provided a practical application of theoretical concepts. For example, each scholar traced a maze through a mirror to understand how dentists use concave mirrors while examining a patient’s teeth. This activity not only taught the scholars a new skill, but they also gained an appreciation for the precision and skill required in dentistry. They also had an informative discussion with the Vice Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Margaret Wilson, to explore the various aspects of dental education and practice.
The ECU School of Nursing visit included discussions with the Dean, Dr. Bimbola Akintade, and Associate Dean for Culture, Engagement, and Professional Development, Dr. Michael Jones, focusing on the experiences of being an outlier in race, gender, and other factors in the nursing profession. As the first Black dean of EDU’s School of Nursing, Dr. Akintade shared some of the challenges he has faced over the years and how he has overcome them. https://youtu.be/uYSB1Q7bQ_k?feature=shared
Scholars participated in a simulation lab, preparing them for various medical scenarios such as labor and delivery, heart murmurs, and heart attacks. They also practiced administering medication through injections and learned techniques for crushing medicine for patient use.
These immersive experiences at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and School of Nursing provided scholars with valuable skills, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the medical, dental, and nursing professions. This hands-on learning approach ensured that scholars not only gained practical expertise but also developed a holistic perspective on the impact of STEAM fields in real-world healthcare settings. These off-campus experiences provided students with a deeper understanding of how STEAM disciplines are applied in professional settings, inspiring them to consider future careers in these vital fields.
Checking that pulse..Still alive?
Applying a tourniquet