Explorations in Health Careers

In June 2024, the School of Health Sciences (SHS) welcomed 40 high school students to the campus of Oakland University for the inaugural health science summer camp, Explorations in Health Careers. 

Dr. Flora Dallo (Director and Professor of Public Health) and summer camp managers Madison Grant-Elsayd and Urooj Siddiqui (Master of Public Health students) were instrumental in developing the summer camp. Dr. Dallo shares, “At the summer camp, students delved into the broad array of health careers offered through the four departments in SHS: Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Human Movement Science, and Public and Environmental Wellness. Not only did they discuss educational and career opportunities, but they actively participated in hands-on activities related to every area they explored. They toured the campus of Oakland University and had meaningful conversations with advisers, as well as current and recent Oakland students, about general university areas and career discovery.”

For high school student Aratrika Iyer, the camp opened her eyes to the entire world of health care possibilities, while also clarifying many of her questions about the university experience in general.

Aratrika is entering the twelfth grade in Northborough, Massachusetts. With her senior year and college applications quickly approaching, Aratrika and her mother, Sangeeta Iyer, knew that it was important for her to explore career interests, pathways and passions this summer. Sangeeta began looking for various camps and exploration programs, but there were limited programs in the Iyers’ area. Aratrika’s aunt, a practicing gynecologist in Rochester, Michigan, recommended Oakland University. “It seemed like the perfect program,” Sangeeta explains. “It wasn’t too intense but also had a broad focus on different careers in health. It checked all the boxes.” So Aratrika journeyed to the Great Lakes State to stay with her aunt for a week while she attended camp.

Aratrika Iyer with Dr. Ball, Dr. Dallo and Madison Grant-Elsayd

Dr. Kevin Ball, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, says, “We recognize the wealth of talent around our region and knew our camp would draw incredible young people looking to explore their future opportunities. But we were really excited to draw attention from as far away as the East Coast.”

While at camp, Aratrika especially enjoyed all of the activities in the different areas of health. “Every day we did a new section of health care,” Aratrika says, “and then in each section there would be a bunch of different branches. I really liked the activities we did and the new things every day.” 

Sangeeta enjoyed hearing about all of the different activities over the phone during Aratrika’s experience. “From what I’ve seen, a lot of camps in our area are theory based – sit down and have an instructor go through the curriculum,” Sangeeta says. “Having the practical application of knowledge, what does it mean, and a day in the life of a professional in the field was a big standout of Oakland’s camp.”

However, exploring health careers wasn’t the only benefit of camp. Aratrika also gained valuable insights about the college experience in general. As the first in her immediate family to attend college in the United States, the Iyers are learning about the application process and experience. “The last day, we talked to an adviser, and people that were going into med school and dental school, and we had time to just ask them questions,” Aratrika says excitedly. “I learned so much during that time.” Sangeeta adds, “I was super happy that the program provided a platform to learn about the process and things to watch out for in a fun, collaborative way.”

Overall, camp was an extremely positive experience for Aratrika. She made new friends on the first day, learned a lot about health sciences, and was able to have meaningful conversations and reflect about what she wants to pursue. “I realized that a lot of what I was thinking about before going to camp was end-goal – what career do I want to have in 10 years,” Aratrika explains. “But I was able to understand that you can’t just become a doctor or a nurse because you want to become a doctor or a nurse; you have to enjoy what you’re studying and the process, or it’s not going to work out.”

The Iyers highly recommend the Explorations in Health Careers camp to other high school students exploring their future possibilities.

“There’s so much that we did, and there were so many people that we met from different fields and different backgrounds,” Aratrika says. “The knowledge is right there at your fingertips. I definitely recommend it.” 

Sangeeta says, “I’m grateful for the opportunity and the experience that she had. The camp was a game-changer for her and for us.”

Visit the School of Health Sciences’ website to learn more about health science summer camps at OU.