Volume 17, Number 1, Fall 2006

OsteoCHAMPs Introduces Youth to Medical Careers

Sandra Kao

Ten high schoolers from Muskegon County attended a “mini-medical school” called OsteoCHAMPs at the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing July 9-21.

OsteoCHAMPs, or Osteopathic Careers in Health and Medical Professions, is an intensive two-week program operated by the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine to encourage underserved high school students to explore a career in osteopathic medicine.

All day, students were engaged in anatomy, physiology and chemistry coursework; studying, job shadowing medical professionals and working on research projects. Through a variety of educational, social and professional activities, students develop their study skills, motivation, leadership and science knowledge during the program. Basic hands-on workshops give the students an appreciation for experiences they will have in health institutions, said Frank Cox, 4-H Extension educator for Muskegon county.

Through a partnership with the Muskegon General Osteopathic Foundation—sponsors of OsteoCHAMPs—students attend the summer program on a scholarship.

After the summer program concludes, each OsteoCHAMP participant is matched with an osteopathic physician from the Muskegon General Osteopathic Foundation who serves as a professional mentor.

Throughout the school year, the 4-H program works with the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Muskegon General Osteopathic Foundation to engage the OsteoCHAMP participants.

“The goal is to keep their minds focused, refreshed and connected to the learning experience of OsteoCHAMPs,” says Cox, who since fall 2001 has conducted seminars, workshops and field trips for the OsteoCHAMPs participants. “I teach them about college opportunities and career development throughout the school year.”

Some year-round activities include having guest speakers in the health sciences to speak with the students, various seminars and field trips—including one to White Lake ambulance headquarters, and participation with community nursing from Muskegon HealthCARE.

The program has succeeded in its objective of encouraging students to consider a career in medicine. Three students from the first Muskegon OsteoCHAMPs class in 2001 are currently in the process of applying for medical school.