For the first time, the annual UVA Health Day Camp was hosted off grounds and in the community, meeting students where they are. In collaboration with the Housestaff Community Development Initiative (HCDI), the Department of Anesthesiology joined forces with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia to introduce local youth to careers in medicine. The third annual event, held on Friday, November 7, transformed the BGC Albemarle Campus into a hands-on learning environment filled with curiosity, discovery, and inspiration.
“Working with the Boys & Girls Club is always a rewarding experience,” said Josh Roach, MD, UVA anesthesiologist and event co-lead. “This year, I taught at a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) station, showing children how to visualize the heart using ultrasound. The children’s curiosity and thoughtful questions made the experience engaging and inspiring. I especially enjoyed seeing their excitement about medicine and learning how the heart works.”
Designed to spark long-term interest in healthcare professions, the camp engaged participants in immersive medical demonstrations, interactive skill stations, and conversations with UVA faculty and trainees.
“Outreach and providing exposure to students are so integral to planting the seed for future health care workers. There are so many career options available that children are just not aware of; the opportunity to introduce them to Pathology and teach about normal and abnormal anatomy was amazing,” said Ansley Scott, MD, fellow in the Department of Pathology and HCDI co-president. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with the Anesthesiology department and the Boys and Girls Club again this year to provide the students with this unique opportunity.”
The event concluded with a celebration of learning. Each student received a gift bag with a portable CPR kit, stethoscope, and UVA-themed items; reminders that the path to a healthcare career can begin with curiosity and community support.
“It was a joy to teach suturing at the Boys & Girls Club. The kids were curious, focused, and picked up the surgical skills faster than I could have ever imagined!,” said Olivia Sears, MD, resident in the Department of Surgery and event co-lead. “Their excitement made the event both fun and meaningful. I think we’ve recruited some future surgeons!”
Led by Josh Roach, MD and Khaing Nwe Phoo, MHA from Department of Anesthesiology, Ansley Scott, MD, President of HCDI, and HCDI Community Outreach Co-Chairs, Alyssa Tuan, MD, Amrita Sarkar, MD, Faith Arimoro, MD, Olivia Sears, MD, Prisca Obidike, MD, and Sam Konkol, MD, the camp embodied UVA Health’s mission to advance health and hope for all Virginians.
As a first-generation medical student, I wouldn’t have had the drive to pursue medicine if not for early experiences like those at the Boys and Girls Club,” said Christian Renwick, MD.
“It’s always rewarding working with kids and introducing them to medicine, and anesthesia. As a first-generation medical student, I wouldn’t have had the drive to pursue medicine if not for early experiences like those at the Boys and Girls Club,” said Christian Renwick, MD, resident in the Department of Anesthesiology and event volunteer. “From their eagerness to participate, the experience hopefully encouraged those already interested in medicine to pursue their passion and sparked an interest in those who hadn’t considered the field.”
The Department of Anesthesiology extends heartfelt thanks to the Graduate Medical Education Office for its generous support and to the Boys & Girls Club staff and volunteers who welcomed the team with open arms. Special appreciation goes to the Department of Pathology for its partnership and support in coordinating the organ viewing experience, which offered students a rare and meaningful glimpse into human anatomy
Special thanks to our volunteers who made the day a success:
- Adishesh Narahari, MD, Department of Surgery
- Olivia Sears, MD, Department of Surgery
- Avani Jain, Clinical Research Coordinator, Department of Anesthesiology
- Brandon Moore, Sheila Mike, RN, Perioperative Services
- Christian Renwick, MD, Department of Anesthesiology
- Holly Atkinson, MA, Department of Anesthesiology
- John Popovich, MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
- Sheila Mike, RN, Perioperative Services
- Tomas Bartenstein, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine
- Victoria Bailey, MD, Department of Anesthesiology
Our incredible team of volunteers from UVA Health and The Boys & Girls Club.