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High school juniors and seniors from across Louisiana stepped into the medical field this summer at the University of Louisiana at ��ɬֱ��. The group of 15 students studied and conducted a variety of tests to detect ailments like diabetes. They also attended classes taught by professors.

“ This is really an intensive boot camp for high school students who want to enter the medical field,” said Dr. Bruce Felgenhauer, associate professor of Biology and camp coordinator. He also oversees UL ��ɬֱ��’s Pre-Professional program. “The students get a chance to learn about biology and how it relates to medicine.”

The group lived on campus during the two week MASH (Medical Applications of Sciences for Health) camp. The event is sponsored each year by the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center.

“ With the MASH camp, we are trying to promote healthcare across the state,” said Shirlene Bender, SWLAHEC project coordinator for MASH. “This is a great program that teaches high school about health issues and helps a lot of them decide if the medical field is right for them.”

The students also earn college credit after taking an exam at the end of the camp.

“ It’s been an interesting two weeks,” said Karynn Verret from ��ɬֱ�� High School. “We’ve met new people and got a chance to see college life.”

For Adrienne Murphy from Oakdale High School, the camp helped her decide to pursue a career in the medical field.

“ It allowed me to find out more about if I want to go to medical school,” she said. “I realize that I want to go to medical school and become an OB.”

This year’s group of campers included Karynn Verret and Alisia Senegal from ��ɬֱ�� High, Adrienne Murphy from Oakdale High, Erin Bodin and Thanh-Tru Ngo from Erath High, Sarah Tinsler from St. Louis Catholic High in Lake Charles, Christopher Smith from New Iberia Senior High, Tony Meyers and Michael Kim from Acadiana High, Daniel Rees from Teurlings High, Ansha’la Braswell and Rose Duchane from West St. Mary High , Blake Milson and Phillip Arceneaux from St. Thomas More High, Caitlin Thevenote from Comeaux High.