Thursday, June 7, 2018

Overnight Camp Day 2


By Allie Allsup
 
We are back in action this week with a second session of our summer veterinary camp program, as our Overnight Camp welcomed 26 young campers as they embark on new experiences of learning and understanding that will hopefully inspire them to pursue a future career in veterinary medicine.

Similar to the previous week’s day camp session, this group of campers will get to take part in some educational hands-on activities, happening Wednesday, June 6 through Sunday, June 10. The Overnight Camp session is a little different, though, because there are longer hours to each day. This allows the campers really get their fill of all that veterinary medicine has to offer. Today, we are going to take a deeper look into what is happening in some of the labs.

Before heading to Micro lab, the campers got the opportunity to hear Dr. James Brett, Associate Clinical Professor, speak about all the different career paths within Veterinary Medicine. This was a good opportunity for the campers to grasp the idea of what areas might interest them as well as giving them an understanding of what job opportunities await them within the field. This lesson highlighted what a particular career in this field would look like and all the many different areas one can pursue. He also discussed the admissions process to veterinary school, which was sure to be helpful to inquiring young minds setting their sights on the future. It is the perfect way to get the campers ready for the next experience to come after lunch, Micro Lab.

After taking a quick lunch break, the campers got to experience Micro Lab with Dr. Frank Austin in the MDL. This lab, also known as the “dog mouth swab lab,” consisted of swabbing the cheeks of dogs in order to get a culture to search for different types of bacteria. Each camper was able to grab a cotton swab and proceed to swab a dog’s cheek and then streak it on three otter plates. Afterward, all there is to do is wait until tomorrow so the bacteria have enough time to incubate. Tomorrow, the campers will be busy looking into their microscopes in search of bacteria.

As to what the kids can get out of this lab, Dr. Austin says it’s the introduction to the whole that really matters here.  “This lab is what first introduces the kids to Micro,” said Dr. Austin. “It’s their first opportunity to analyze different diseases.”

Dr. Austin also says that the importance of being a microbiologist is to understand the first step of the process, which is to establish a pure culture. Afterward, you put all three plates in an incubator and wait until tomorrow to see what grows over night.

Dr. Austin, who’s been at MSU-CVM for more than thirty years, said it’s his goal to make this lab educational and fun.  “I want it to be a good, fun experience for y’all,” said Dr. Austin.

Earlier in the day, campers experienced Pathology Lab and Critical Care Lab. Later in the afternoon, the campers will get to observe and participate in a Canine Physical Exam, a Bovine lab and a Suture Lab, to name a few. After a full day’s worth of fun and learning, campers are sure to be tired. But they’re also likely awaiting tomorrow’s activities with eager anticipation.  “Pathology lab was so cool,” said one camper. “I’m super excited to see how our bacteria turns out tomorrow.” 
 
For more photos and daily posts follow https://www.facebook.com/MSUVetCamp/