What is MEDCAMP?

MEDCAMP is a three-day intensive experience designed to stimulate students' interests in the basic sciences and medicine and to expose them to career opportunities in those fields. The program is designed to provide "hands on" experiences in biomedical science workshops involving research, clinical problem-solving and an introduction to the field of clinical medicine.

MEDCAMP is held in the summer and is designed for students who will enter the ninth grade in the fall. Preference is given to individuals from rural and inner-city populations and to applicants from groups underrepresented in health care professions. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) defines underrepresented groups in medicine as those with the following racial/ethnic backgrounds: African American, Mexican American, Native American or Puerto Rican Mainlander.

The program is sponsored by the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine's (NEOUCOM) Area Health Education Center (AHEC) with support from the Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Family Medicine and offices of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and Admissions.

What Happens at MEDCAMP?

MEDCAMP begins with an overview and orientation to functioning in the clinical environment. Presentations which include Careers in the Life Sciences, A Physician’s Story and Tools of the Trade give students a framework for upcoming activities.

On the second day, students attend laboratory sessions on anatomy, physical diagnosis, physiology, neurobiology and microbiology. They join professors, graduate students, medical students and physicians in these laboratory experiences that include taking blood pressure, reading EKGs and identifying bacteria under light microscopes. Library research and preparing a case presentation give students an idea what it's like to be a 'real doctor.'

Students are introduced to a clinical case of a fictitious patient with information about case history, symptoms and lab results. Through their discussions, lab work and library study time, they are expected to provide a diagnosis for the patient including disease history and treatment.

On the final day, parents and teachers are invited to attend student case presentations as they demonstrate their learning. Students present their clinical findings to the audience of peers, families, teachers, medical students and faculty. The students are then awarded their “B.D.” (Beginning Doctor) degree with a great start on the path to an M.D. degree.

The MEDCAMP Experience

Students spend two and a half days at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM). They learn how a physician talks with a patient, study the clues to a patient’s illness and solve the case by using critical-thinking skills in addition to modern laboratory techniques.

The evenings are used for group activities and study sessions. Library research is required for the students to prepare their diagnosis and report of their “patient.”

Meals are provided for the students while at NEOUCOM. Students are transported by bus to a Kent State University dormitory for overnight accommodations. They are accompanied by chaperones from NEOUCOM.

NEOUCOM is located at 4209 State Route 44 in Rootstown, Ohio, which is 1/4 mile south of I-76, at exit 38. The campus is 17 miles east of Akron, 40 miles southeast of Cleveland and 31 miles west of Youngstown.

NEOUCOM and AHEC serve a total of 17 counties in northeast Ohio. These include: Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Crawford, Geauga, Holmes, Lake, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne.

How to Apply

For an application, contact the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at NEOUCOM, 330-325-6584 or write to P.O. Box 95, Rootstown, Ohio 44272. Complete applications must be received by the stated deadline.

Teachers, counselors and schools also may be added to the mailing list by contacting AHEC. A student may be nominated for the program.

Applications must include:

The applications are reviewed and candidates chosen by a selection committee. Applicants are notified by mail of their acceptance into MEDCAMP.