PharmCamp exposes Tucson youth to careers in health sciences
Theodore Tong, PharmD, a professor of pharmacy practice and science in the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, welcomes PharmCamp 2023 participants to the free one-week camp in June.
The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy opened its doors to middle school students this summer for PharmCamp, a free weeklong camp designed to inspire youth to pursue careers in pharmacy or other health sciences fields.
The camp was started in 1997 by Theodore Tong, PharmD, a professor of practice, pharmacology and toxicology at the Coit College of Pharmacy. The goal for the camp remains the same as when it began more than 25 years ago – to stoke the curiosity of youth toward career opportunities available in the health sciences.
During the week, campers visit the UArizona College of Nursing’s simulation lab, the Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center. Hands-on activities take place in the compounding lab where campers create their own sunscreen, lip balm and lotion. Nearly 50 students will participate in the two sessions of PharmCamp this year.
“I wanted to plant the seed early and help youth feel comfortable about the idea that they can attend college and attain careers in pharmacy or nursing,” said Dr. Tong.
Lauren Melcher, a University of Arizona College of Nursing student in the Master of Science – Entry to the Profession of Nursing program, watches as PharmCamp students check each other’s pupils with a light.
Cori Cantin, an Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center’s community outreach coordinator, shows PharmCamp students how to hold a tailless whip scorpion, a type of arachnid that is harmless to people.
Heather Doss, one of Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center’s community outreach coordinators, tests PharmCamp students’ knowledge on how to tell what is candy or medicine.
UArizona College of Nursing Master of Science – Entry to the Profession of Nursing students Dana Parker (left in blue scrubs) and Amber Sue Alvela (right in blue scrubs) teach PharmCamp students airway and ventilation techniques and CPR on a manikin in the College of Nursing’s simulation lab.
Karin Blasko, RN, a senior lecturer in the College of Nursing, welcomes PharmCamp participants to the UArizona College of Nursing where she explains how pharmacists, doctors and nurses work as a team to help people.
Theodore Tong, PharmD, a professor of pharmacy practice and science in the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, explains the role of a hospital pharmacist to PharmCamp students during the June camp.
A PharmCamp student practices using a stethoscope to listen to College of Nursing Master of Science – Entry to the Profession of Nursing student Haylie Bayster’s heartbeat.
Community outreach coordinators Heather Doss and Cori Cantin show PharmCamp students around the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center located inside the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. The center has several live snakes and insects on display.
UArizona College of Nursing students Anna Laird (left), a Master of Science – Entry to the Profession of Nursing student, and Danielle Chellman, a duel PharmD and DNP student, show PharmCamp student how to change a baby’s diaper and how to swaddle them.