Are you looking for an important and challenging experience this summer? One that will help during medical school and beyond? Many medical students and physicians find that they are uncomfortable with the daily management of diabetes mellitus, particularly when making insulin dose adjustments and interpreting blood glucose levels. Gaining experience with managing diabetes is very helpful for physicians in preventing diabetic patients from developing long-term diabetic complications.
IU School of Medicine is offering an outpatient volunteer experience for incoming and first-year medical students in pediatric diabetes. The experience takes place at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) summer camp in northern Indiana during June 2019.
Program Overview
- The summer camp occurs June 2–8; there is a mandatory orientation session June 1 for all medical student participants.
- Students learn how to manage diabetes and gain experience working with a team of physicians, nurses, dietitians and support staff from Riley Hospital.
- There is no charge for the experience. The camp provides housing and meals. Students sleep in cabins (which are air-conditioned) on the campgrounds and eat in the dining hall.
- Each medical staff person takes care of eight to 10 children with diabetes, in concert with physicians, nurses, nursing students, physician assistant students, dietary students and pharmacy students.
- Campers range in age from seven to 16 years old.
- More than 95 percent of campers have type one diabetes.
Learning Outcomes
Students learn how to manage mild, moderate and severe hypoglycemia. They will also gain experience adjusting insulin doses under the supervision of an experienced staff doctor. During training, students learn how to inject insulin and glucagon, check blood sugars and operate a variety of insulin pumps. Medical students administer insulin doses two to six times daily for their campers.
The camp experience also includes dietary instruction and provides students with the opportunity to use glucose meters, insulin pens, continuous glucose monitors (or sensors) and insulin pumps. During the day, students will be able to participate with the campers in group activities.
Each year the medical students who have attended diabetes camp have had a great experience and have been invaluable members of the medical staff. This is a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in providing medical care regardless of which field of medicine you eventually choose.
Learn More and Apply
If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please contact Todd Nebesio, MD, at Riley Hospital for Children, at 317-944-3889 or at tdnebesi@iu.edu. Applications to participate as a volunteer medical staff member will be available in the upcoming months through the ADA.
