Rorie Robinson - Camp Blessing Texas

This summer I worked as an on-call EMT at Camp Blessing Texas, a traditional summer camp for special needs campers.  I worked for 102 hours a week for 10 weeks. My tasks include documenting all medications on campus, distributing medication, assisting with camper’s daily medical care, transfers from wheelchairs, administering enemas, G-tubes feeding, and implementing any emergency care when necessary. In general, I operated as the first line of defense to make sure everyone stays healthy in a typical summer-camp environment. My top priority was making sure campers (and staff) have the tools and care they need to enjoy all physical activities they get to participate in while at camp. I also assisted while behavioral disturbances by helping calm down campers and control situations.

I accepted an offer from Camp Blessing to gain patient-care experience that is often overlooked in other settings. During check-in, parents walk us through the medications their camper takes and instructions for administering them. Most parents have never been away from their children, which is nerve-wracking when their kid has medical needs. It is crucial that we create trust between parents and our staff from the start. Interacting with parents has developed my temperament for working with concerned patients and families. I’ve learned how active listening, asking questions, and staying even-keeled can create trust that allows us to do our job. We worked with different nurses each week, which had shown me there is no "correct" work style. Each nurse is unique. Having multiple styles means that there is someone that can work with each camper. This demonstrates how diversity in medicine is critical to having a patient-focused approach. I’ve grown most, however, simply by observing the campers. Each camper is perfect not in spite of their diagnosis, but because of it. I’ve learned joy through campers with down syndrome, discernment through campers with autism, and strength through campers with cerebral palsy. Each camper interaction has taught me something unique, and I know each patient will as well.

I am also currently undergoing the process of applying to medical schools. I am applying to 38 schools including MD and DO programs across the country.