In the summer of 2015 senior Ryan Keefer entered the Scubs summer program sponsored by UAFS. The program focuses on high school students gaining real life experiences within the medical field.

Throughout the week, students received training to become First Aid, CPR, and AED certified. The students also participated in a fake surgery to have a stimulation of what a surgeon goes through. It also included a tour of the Radiology department offered at UAFS.

“It’s a great way to reach out and make new friends and come up with something you want to do in the future,” Keefer said.

Keefer first learned about the program after researching summer opportunities in nursing to help him reach his goal toward becoming an ER nurse.

“Being able to help patients in the ER and the staff is really good. I like that there’s something different each time someone walks through the door. Not knowing what to expect keeps you on your feet and I just really like being in a fast past environment,” Keefer said.

At the conclusion of the summer program, Keefer applied to become a volunteer for Mercy Hospital. Since the summer, he has been an active volunteer for the past four years.
Within his first year of volunteering Keefer was recognized in 2015 with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

“I thought it was pretty cool, I was shocked because I didn’t think I would get anything,” Keefer said.

Keefer currently works on receiving his CNA certification and plans to move towards achieving a nursing degree.

“It has prepared me to get ready for my next step which is the nursing program. It showed me the different skills and opportunities you can have while in the medical field,” Keefer said.