Camp Cardiac

When her mother experienced heart issues and had a pacemaker implanted, Nourhan Abubaker took a keen interest in cardiology and decided that she would become a heart specialist.

Nourhan, a student at Chartiers Valley High School, was looking for opportunities to learn more about cardiology when she heard about Camp Cardiac through a conversation with Ms. Colt. Nourhan completed the application process and was one of about 20 people in grades 9-12 who were selected to attend the camp.

"It was a week long day camp at Pitt centered around the heart and how it works and different procedures for heart afflictions," Nourhan said.

Nourhan passionately explained some of the activities in which she participated at Camp Cardiac.

"We actually dissected a pig heart (similar in size and function to human hearts) and they explained the different sections and how the hearts work. Before the dissection we had a lesson on the anatomy of the heart. We got to meet a cardiovascular surgeon who explained what he does. We also did a sonogram of the heart of one of the camp counselors. They laid it down on the table for the sonogram and we watched a working, beating heart up on a monitor. They explained how they were able to observe and detect abnormalities with the procedure and how that guided their actions on treating the patient," Nourhan explained.

Most of the lectures and those conducting the camp were med students at Pitt. Camp participants were able to ask them questions about their college experience and received great feedback on the paths available for us to take on our way to med school.

 In addition to performing CPR simulations and receiving certification in that life-saving skill, Nourhan said she really enjoyed the visit of a neurologist who discussed the interconnectedness of the human body.

"In surgery, you can't simply focus on the ailment that has been diagnosed during treatment, because other bodily functions are going to be affected,” she said. “Another day we went to an office where some of the residents and doctors practice simulated scenarios for emergency situations where an immediate and correct diagnosis is needed to save a life. That was very interesting for us to see that."

Spending a week at Camp Cardiac further strengthened Nourhan’s resolve to attend medical school and specialize in cardiology. But first, she’s planning on a double major in Biology and Business and is considering Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne and Penn State.

"I would definitely recommend this to anyone thinking about a career in cardiology," Nourhan she said of her experience.

According to promotional material, Camp Cardiac and Camp Neuro are run by local medical students in over 30 cities nationwide, serving as an introduction for any high school student interested in exploring a career in medicine.

With a focus on both education and real world experience, Camp Cardiac provides students with an opportunity to learn directly from experts in the medical field. This summer day camp provides a foundation for heart healthy living with an emphasis on both diet and exercise. Although Camp Cardiac's primary focus is on care and maintenance of the heart, it provides an excellent starting point for careers in all fields of medicine. Learn more>>