COLLEGE STATION, Texas (September 30, 2008) -- More than 100 College of Medicine students volunteered their time to help evacuees in the local area after Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston, Houston and surrounding communities. In College Station, students visited patients from Galveston’s Shriners Hospital and assisted federal medical teams in caring for more than 300 special needs patients housed at Texas A&M University’s Reed Arena. In Temple, students volunteered at the Bell County Expo Center.

“The students worked all shifts (7 a.m.-3 p.m., 3p.m.-11 p.m., 11 p.m.-7 a.m.), including some during the height of the storm,” Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Dr. Gary McCord said. “The federal medical teams were really in a teaching mode and were grateful for the help. The students saw a lot and really enjoyed the experience.”

The following are a few comments from the student volunteers:

• “Just wanted to let you know that medical students are being used very well and are definitely needed. I was told while I was there that there were around 460-470 patients/caregivers and they were turning people away. This was one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences I have ever done. Please let me know if you cannot get enough people to volunteer for the rest of the weekend because I would be willingly to go back despite the biochemistry test on Tuesday.”
• “The night shift from 11 pm - 7am went very well. The staff was incredibly grateful for our presence.”
• “I went Friday 7-3 and it was an amazing experience.  The patients were very grateful to have us around.  Some of us really bonded as classmates, too.  I definitely did not expect to be taking patient histories and delivering them to doctors.  Not to mention how eager the doctors were to teach us amidst the chaos.  The experience made me appreciate all the stuff we are learning in school.”
• “I will NEVER take what nurses do for granted and I think every medical student should have this experience. I know that it has changed the way I view the incredible people skills that nurses have and I hope that as a physician I never forget what I have seen here.”
• “Last night was such an amazing experience.  Even though I was only scheduled for only part of the shift, I couldn't get myself to leave and ended up staying the entire time.  I only wish I had an opportunity like this during my first year.”

A breakfast for the student volunteers was hosted by the Dean’s Office in College Station Tuesday, September 30 to thank the students for their generosity.