Blood Pressure. Heart Rate. Respiratory Rate. Such vital signs are extremely important for residents at a senior citizens home, and often need re-checking every few weeks or months. Proper check-ups are crucial in making sure residents stay healthy and on top of their well-being.

Stratford’s newly-created Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) pre-med club recently hosted a volunteer medical clinic at Morningside of Macon Assisted Living Residence. Under the supervision of club advisor Mrs. Cason Wilkin, students were able to practice their health care skills while also providing free vital sign check-ups for the residents.

“Going to Morningside of Macon presented me with a unique opportunity to experience hands-on training with the residents at the center,” said junior HOSA club member Stephen Durso. “At the facility, I measured vital signs and examined the residents there to help screen them for any potential health issues. I enjoyed it because it gave me an opportunity to help other people while honing my own medical skills.”

Students were able to interact with their patients on a face-to-face, one-on-one basis, just like a true doctor.

Junior club member Nischal Bandi said he learned from the experience and would like to participate again.

“It took me a while to understand the whole process,” Bandi said. “But when I finally figured it out, it seemed almost automatic. I was effortlessly helping the senior citizens of the community to better understand their own health, while also learning a completely new skill set.”

Not only did the volunteer medical clinic give students medical experience and practice taking vital signs,it also provided a nice break from school-work while accumulating some volunteer hours to kick off the Thanksgiving break.

It also left club members feeling content that they helped others.

“Clinics such as these help develop skills necessary for aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals and aid in the comfort of the residents, which gives a rewarding feeling to us volunteers,” Durso said.

The HOSA club plans to perform many more volunteer outreach medical events to give back to the community as well as more vital sign clinics.

The club also plans to have doctors and healthcare professionals come speak to them about various things related to medicine, as well as organizing a trip to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.