Teens serving at Augusta area hospitals

Brooke Hendrix, 17, is trying scrubs on for size this summer.

She is a junior volunteer at University Hospital, helping out in the operating room and breast health departments.

Volunteering and working with others gives Brooke a good feeling. It's also a way for her to explore different areas of the medical profession, which she's interested in as a career.

"I feel like this is something I really want to do," said the Greenbrier High School rising senior.

Brooke is one of many teens serving as volunteers in Augusta area hospitals this summer. There are 57 volunteers at University Hospital, 64 at Medical College of Georgia Hospital and 80 at Doctors Hospital.

University received 96 applicants for the summer program, said Lou Cheek, the director of volunteer services.

Trinity Hospital's volunteer program grew from 45 teens last year to 73 this year, said Carol King-Whisnant, the hu-man resources/volunteer coordinator.

The application process varies.

The requirements at MCG include an application accompanied by a letter of recommendation, said Samm Fusselle, the volunteer services manager.

At Doctors Hospital, the applicants were interviewed by the Augusta chapter of the American Red Cross, said Bart Grey, the manager of volunteer services.

None of the programs allows volunteers to perform direct patient care, but the teens help with whatever else is needed. They also give lots of "warm fuzzies" by visiting with patients, fluffing pillows or helping deliver meal trays, Mr. Grey said.

Alicia Schofield, 15, a rising sophomore at Westside High School, does "whatever I can do to help" at her stations in radiology and child care at University Hospital.

Alicia is considering a career in a health field, perhaps physical therapy.

"Something to do with sports, I'm big on sports," she said.

She was on the varsity softball and soccer teams last year at Westside.

Brandon Price, 16, a rising senior at Greenbrier High School, is in his second year volunteering at University Hospital.

"You get a feel for everything," he said.

Taylor Turnbull, 16, a rising junior at Midland Valley High School, is in her third year of volunteering at University Hospital. She started as a rising freshman and has worked in the gift shop and a patient check-in point.

"You feel like you're doing good," she said.

Reach Sarah Day Owen at (706) 823-3223 or sarah.owen@augustachronicle.com.