Blinn Health Sciences Summer Camp becomes a family affair for Bryan siblings

Blinn Associate Degree Nursing student Gerardo Lopez inspires sister Jennifer to follow in his footsteps

July 3, 2024

When Blinn College District Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) student Gerardo Lopez, 24, was asked to mentor local 7 ^th and 8 ^th graders at last week’s Health Sciences Summer Camp, he didn’t realize a very familiar face would be among the campers.

“My sister Jennifer had mentioned way before that she was going to a health camp, but I didn’t look into it. Then I realized it was the same camp I was asked to help at, so of course I had to volunteer.”

About to enter her freshman year at James Earl Rudder High School in Bryan, Jennifer, 14, learned about the camp from a school flyer and immediately was interested, partly due to Gerardo’s influence.

“When something would be wrong with someone’s health, he would always explain a little about what was going on, which was really interesting,” Jennifer said.

Hosted at Texas A&M-RELLIS, the three-day camp introduced Jennifer and 15 other campers to a wide variety of high-demand careers in the health sciences. Students and faculty from Blinn’s ADN, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, and Veterinary Technology programs demonstrated the basics of each profession, from the equipment they use to the techniques necessary to ensure quality, compassionate patient care.

The camp was primarily held at the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex in Bryan. This facility includes 16,000 square feet dedicated to clinical simulation laboratories featuring the latest technologies.

“This camp is a great way for these young students to experience the wide range of opportunities available in the health sciences,” said Sami Rahman, Director of Simulation, who helps coordinate the camp. “They can explore areas that interest them and often they connect with one of our programs that they didn’t expect.”

On the first day of the camp, participants scrubbed in with Surgical Technology Program students to get a first-hand look at the role surgical technologists play in preparing and assisting during surgeries. Campers also learned about important lifesaving skills with Blinn’s EMS Program, toured the Esports arena, and experienced simulated hospital scenarios using a virtual reality healthcare simulation program. The day concluded with an introduction to the ADN Program. Gerardo helped lead a session about infant healthcare scenarios using a baby manikin simulator, a meaningful session for Jennifer, who wants to be a NICU nurse.

On day two, students learned what veterinary technicians do and even simulated performing CPR on a dog. They used makeup to create fake injuries and bruises, commonly called moulage, for emergency simulation events. The Radiologic Technology Program assisted students in conducting x-rays using state-of-the-art equipment, even giving participants a glimpse inside their own smartphones. The PTA Program showed campers how important physical therapy is to the recovery process, demonstrated a variety of restorative exercises, and used advanced technology like an anatomage table to give campers a closer look at different body systems.

“This year we had campers come from Brenham, the Houston area, and even Texarkana. It’s great exposure for these young campers, but also a great way to reinforce the knowledge that our Blinn students have gained,” Rahman said. “Our students become the teachers and mentors, which helps them realize how much they already know and how capable and prepared they are to embark on their careers.”

On the final day, students explored a working fire truck during a visit to the Brayton Fire Training Field to learn more about the Fire Science Program. The camp culminated in a simulation event featuring live “patients” simulating real-world emergency scenarios. Campers shadowed Blinn faculty and students as they were guided through the entire treatment process, from emergency response to radiology and from nursing to physical therapy.

Although Jennifer plans to emulate her brother by going into nursing, she chose to shadow Blinn’s PTA students during the simulation because of the hands-on nature of the field.

“I liked how we had to help the people when they couldn’t really walk,” Jennifer said. “I liked making a difference.”

Blinn’s Division of Health Sciences offers Associate Degree Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science, Health Information Technology, Health Sciences-Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, and Vocational Nursing programs that place graduates on the fast track to rewarding healthcare careers.

For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/health-sciences.