Medical Club Field Trip

(Agana Heights, Guam) Touring a hospital, learning about the different professions in the medical field, learning about homeland security, and sitting down at the table with the island’s First Lady to learn more about community service…all this in a few short hours.
In May, Guam Adventist Academy’s Student Medical Club members took part in one busy field trip. The activity’s purpose fell in line with the club’s mission, which aims to prepare its members for a future in medicine and Christian service.
First, the club members took a tour of the Governor’s Mansion and then went on to tour Homeland Security, where they learned about how Guam’s government prepares for, and responds to, catastrophes – natural or not. It should go without saying that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are critical during times of major disasters. The students were also allowed inside a strategy room, where all the heads of responding agencies meet during major emergencies to collaborate and discuss action plans.
Next, the students returned to the Governor’s Mansion where First Lady Joanne Camacho discussed the importance of helping others. The First Lady applauded the club for their hard work in outreach and encouraged them to continue serving the island people. She also talked about her latest projects which included the “People’s Garden” designed to feed the hungry and indigent. The medical club is now looking into developing a small community garden as a result of their meeting with First Lady Camacho.
Right after they left the mansion, members headed straight over to the U.S. Navy Hospital. Commander Dale Ramirez provided a guided tour of the entire facility and discussed different medical professions. He also touched on the schooling required to become doctors, physician assistants, and nurses. The students were shown the emergency room, the mothers’ (OBGYN) unit, internal medicine, ICU, and other critical areas at the facility. Medical club members were able to meet different doctors and nurses. In addition, they were allowed short question and answer sessions by these very busy people. Dr. Jason Hwang, a radiologist, shared what his day is like at the hospital as a doctor who reads X-rays to determine what should be done with patients. Several club members said they were so inspired by him that now they want to become radiologists! Thanks Dr. Hwang!
The field trip winded down with an amazing vegetarian lunch at Simply Food. What a great day!