POTSDAM — Twenty area high school students recently had the opportunity to explore a variety of healthcare careers during two three-day Medical Academy of Science & Health (MASH) Camps hosted by Rochester Regional Health. 

One camp was held at Gouverneur Hospital in partnership with the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO), while the other was held at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in partnership with the Northern Area Health Education Center (NAHEC).

Students from schools throughout the region, including Potsdam, Canton, Norwood, Colton, Hammond, Gouverneur, Watertown, and Malone, participated in the programs, which provided an inside look at the many career opportunities available in health care.

Throughout the camps, students learned from healthcare professionals representing a wide range of clinical areas and services, including Pediatrics, Social Work, Radiation Therapy, Neurology, Labor and Delivery, Behavioral Health, Emergency Medicine, Infection Prevention, Laboratory and Morgue Services, Medical-Surgical and Surgical Units, Nursing Education, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Imaging and Radiology, and Respiratory Therapy.

Students also participated in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training, basic first aid, and Narcan use, led by members of the RRH Emergency Medical Services team from the Gouverneur Rescue Squad. Upon successfully completing the CPR session, students earned CPR certification, giving them an opportunity to develop a practical, potentially lifesaving skill while learning more about careers in healthcare.

The MASH Camp experience is designed to introduce young people to the breadth of careers available while allowing them to interact directly with professionals working in those roles. In addition to clinical careers, students were able to see firsthand the many departments and team members who work together to care for patients and support hospital operations.

To learn more about MASH Camp and future opportunities for local students to explore careers in healthcare, visit northernahec.org or fdrhpo.org/mash-camp. To learn more about Rochester Regional Health, visit rochesterregional.org.