Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Students Volunteer at ADA Camp

 Two students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM), Claire Manhard (CCOM ’27) and Olivia Moran (CCOM ’27), spent a week at the American Diabetes Association Camp EDI (Exercise, Diet, and Insulin) assisting with a variety of services for 91 diabetic children ranging in age from seven to 17 years old. 

Olivia has volunteered for the past five years at the Ed & Gloria Hirsch Camp for Children with Diabetes (Camp EDI). This was her first year as a member of the medical staff. Claire wanted the opportunity to work with children living with type 1 diabetes and gain experience with chronic disease management. Olivia discussed some of her duties and responsibilities. “As a medical student, you are responsible for the campers’ night rounds. Starting at midnight, teams of nursing and medical students check every camper’s blood sugar to ensure they are in a safe range overnight,” she shared. Campers who experienced low blood sugar were woken up, given carbohydrates, and then their blood glucose was checked again to ensure their blood sugar was in the appropriate range. On the other hand, campers with high blood sugar were also woken up and given water and insulin doses if needed under the supervision of licensed professionals, Olivia continued. Treatments were documented on a log that was referenced by on-site physicians, she added.

“Another responsibility of medical students was to assist with dosing calculations. The on-site physicians calculated insulin doses for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nighttime snacks,” Olivia described.

Claire added, “I worked with the physician and became familiar with use of the insulin to carbohydrate ratio and correction factor to determine the insulin dose. After a few days, I was able to calculate the doses independently and then the physician could review and approve.” 

Olivia described the impact of her education at Midwestern University in preparing her for camp. “Midwestern University gave me a strong foundation in physiology, biochemistry, and the clinical presentation of diabetes. This knowledge translated to a better understanding of the disease process and management and helped me better care for my campers,” she stated.

In addition, the students had the opportunity to practice interdepartmental collaboration, which is an integral aspect of a Midwestern University education, and work with professionals from a variety of healthcare fields including physicians, dieticians, nurses, and social workers. “Working with such a diverse group of healthcare professionals in this setting prepares you for the type of teamwork and collaboration that will be integral to our careers as future physicians,” Olivia shared.

The medical students were assigned to different age groups, joined their daily activities, and gave medical support and assistance if needed. “You get to know your group of kids very well over the course of the week and have so many fun experiences with them. Over the years, it has been amazing watching these kids get older and more confident with their diabetes,” Olivia said. Claire shared, “The campers are incredibly resilient, independent, and fun to be around. Their knowledge about managing type 1 diabetes was truly impressive. I was also deeply moved by the strong sense of community they’ve built at the camp. Many of the kids shared that being surrounded by others who understand their experiences is profoundly special, as it alleviates the loneliness and challenges that they sometimes face as an individual with diabetes.”

As students prepare to become future doctors or other healthcare professionals at Midwestern University, supplemental educational experiences such as the diabetes camp enriches the students’ experience working with patients and providing quality care.