"The AHEC program has been an amazing experience. From labs to simulations, to research and shadowing, you get to see and take part in real world experiences in the field of medicine. Prestigious programs like SEP and HRYA have solidified my future and now more than ever I know my future is in healthcare."
- Ava Peters, SEP 2025 and HRYA 2026 participant
"I don’t think I had ever had such a great time, and learning experience at any other camp. On the first day I arrived at the dorm, I saw so many new people, and it kind of made me a little nervous, however there were fortunately some familiar faces. I went on to meet who turned out to be the coolest and most relatable RA’s I’d ever had, and had guided me through so much throughout the little time I was on campus for the camp...
Over the course of the next two weeks, the experience I had has stuck with me to this day, and I miss it so dearly. I got to experience so many great healthcare related opportunities, and the learning experiences were like no other, for it was two weeks of learning all about a career field I wanted to go into. I learned so many new skills, and got to shadow and observe so many other roles in the Healthcare field that I was unfamiliar with, and it was a great honor.”
- Cayden, Summer Enrichment Program Participant 2026
Coming to the end of my two week AHEC SEP camp experience, after I arrived home and overlooked all the things I did, the experiences I had, the skills I obtained, and the friends I made, I wanted to go to another experience like this one, and thankfully, three days after my return home, I received an email from the Southeast AHEC camp, for a two-day Scrubs camp experience in Clay County, Kentucky, right next door. Within that two-day experience, I had a camp that felt almost just like the UK AHEC camp, but nothing will ever take its place.
"Attending the University of Kentucky Area Health Education Center summer camp was the highlight of my summer. I am grateful to have been chosen to attend this amazing program. As soon as I arrived at camp, I was greeted by friendly program administrators and residential advisors who were there to help with move in process and answer any questions I had. I immediately felt comfortable, and the residential hall quickly felt like a second home.
The unique opportunities the program had to offer were numerous. I was exposed to a variety of health professions by watching a live gall bladder removal surgery, holding a preserved human heart and brain, and working in the cadaver lab. Some activities arose from individual interests. For example, I enjoyed spending extra time in the minimally invasive surgery lab where I tested my hand dexterity by performing simulated surgical exercises. During weekly job shadowing at the hospital conveniently located only a couple blocks away from the residential hall, I was able to observe the starting of an IV, CT scans, physical therapy, pulmonary testing, emergency room cases, etc. These hands-on activities and up-close observations were invaluable experiences. In addition to interacting with health professionals, I enhanced my knowledge of chemistry, physics, and biology through lectures and labs. Also, guest speakers visited almost everyday, each representing their specific health career field. It was meaningful to listen to, ask questions, and receive advice from experts who have successful careers in the field of medicine and who were so passionate about their occupations.
Not only did I learn about and experience what it’s like to work professionally in the medical field, I created relationships with my residential advisors and fellow campers. Our shared interest in medical occupations made it easy to bond with each other and share exciting program experiences. And through fun activities like having a paint war, going roller skating, attending a Lexington Legends baseball game, playing laser tag, and having spontaneous dance parties in the basement of the residential hall, we all got to know one another quite well before camp ended.
The UK Summer Enrichment Program was an unforgettable experience. The extraordinary opportunities provided and the comradery between us campers made for an exceptional program! This camp gave me a more accurate and realistic perspective regarding the education and skills required and the daily activities encountered in various medical professions. For any student serious about a career in healthcare, I would highly recommend this camp."
- Amanda Wright, Summer Enrichment Program 2016
"My attendance of AHEC’s summer enrichment program, was a summer of new beginnings. Before I went to AHEC, I always knew I wanted to be something in the healthcare field. However, I never knew exactly what. When asked what I want to be when I grow up, I used to say “doctor” but nothing more. After my experience at AHEC, the idea of being just a doctor changed. I learned that it is far more than that. This career is hard work, dedication, and commitment in taking care of others. I also learned that there are many other aspects to healthcare than just physicians. The healthcare field is made up of nurses, researchers, dieticians, therapists, genetic counselors, to name a few. AHEC opened my eyes to the many different facets of this industry and taught me many opportunities that are available in the medical field. I now have a new perspective and a broader view to the different fields I would like to be a part of one day.
In addition to the educational benefits of AHEC’s summer enrichment program, I feel very blessed to have formed lifelong friendships with people I would have likely never met otherwise. When I first heard I got accepted into AHEC, I was apprehensive about spending four weeks with people I had never met before. This was the first time in my life I had spent this much time away from home without family. My timidness and fear was quickly overcome by the warm welcomings I got by both the residential advisors and campers. Over the course of the four weeks we became a close family and remain in contact until today.
I feel fortunate and honored to have been part of this incredible program. Going to the gross lab, shadowing fields we were interested in, meeting amazing staff members and meeting lifelong friends are all experiences which wouldn’t have been possible without AHEC. I am grateful I was awarded this tremendous experience."
- Summer Enrichment Program Participant, Summer 2016
