Did you know Stamps Health Services (SHS) has a student ambassador program? Ambassadors help run campus-wide events relating to a wide variety of health topics including flu vaccination clinics, blood pressure checks, welcome week, Health Initiatives events, and many other events throughout the year. Within this program, you also have the ability to shadow SHS physicians on a weekly basis through the mentoring program. We spoke to two current SHS ambassadors, Cathy Liu, 3rd Year computer science major and Trupti Patel, 4th year, Biology Major to learn more about how this program is preparing them for their future endeavors and how it can help you!

What originally interested you in becoming a SHS ambassador?

Liu: I was interested in becoming a SHS ambassador because I wanted to contribute back to the community here at Georgia Tech by helping with health promotion. It's really important to me that everyone on-campus is as healthy as can be and being a SHS ambassador perfectly aligned with those goals!

Patel: My interest in public health and clinical experience initially drew my attention to SHS Ambassadors. I have always enjoyed volunteering, and this organization seemed like the perfect combination of those interests.

How do you feel this program prepares you for future endeavors?

Liu: As an aspiring medical student, I have learned so much from the organization, not only about public health but also about how to interact with others. In addition, it has allowed me to shadow Dr. Holbrook at Stamps Health Services which has taught me so much about the medical field and has allowed me to see doctor-patient interaction unfold right in front of me!

Patel: Being an SHS Ambassador also connected me to a provider as a mentor. Here I learned essential lessons regarding patient care, the importance of preventative medicine on a college campus, public health issues drive students to seek primary care, and patient interaction. My mentorship experience through SHS Ambassadors opened my eyes what kind of physician I one day want to be. SHS Ambassadors also allowed me the experience of volunteering and leading in my community – essential experience to learn from on my path to a lifetime of medical service. Due to my time as a member and leader of SHS Ambassadors, I am more public-health oriented, clinically experienced, and community service focused.

What are some of the program benefits?

Liu: It's really rewarding to contribute back to Georgia Tech and SHS and help spread the word about flu clinics and other events. I've also learned so much from the nurses, doctors, and members of health initiatives that we work with.  In addition, once you reach your third or fourth year, you're able to apply to shadow one of the doctors at Stamps Health Services!

Patel: Meeting Stamps providers, being more connected with campus, and being able to attend different workshops and events for members are some benefits!  

What is your favorite activity you have partaken in?

Liu: My favorite activity has definitely been shadowing Dr. Holbrook at Stamps. He's so inspiring, and I have learned so much not only about the medical field, but also about life in general from him.

Patel: My favorite activity I have partaken in is triaging students during the flu clinics. I enjoyed greeting so many students and even seeing some familiar faces. It was good to see so many students getting their flu shots!

Who is this program right for?

Liu: The SHS ambassadors program is targeted towards pre-health students, but is right for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on-campus!

Patel: This program is right for anyone interested in public health, healthcare, campus engagement, and increasing student’s awareness of the range of care that Stamps Health Services can provide -- anyone interested in what we do and really wants to help make a positive impact on health and wellness on campus!

If you are interested in learning more about the SHS ambassador program go to health.gatech.edu/ambassadors.