Volunteering in the Shock Trauma Operating Room

Presenter: Sydney Amate, Neuroscience, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum, I volunteered at the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma Unit, a leading facility that provides critical care to patients with life-threatening injuries. This experience placed me in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment where I supported trauma teams treating patients. During my time volunteering, my responsibilities contributed to the smooth operation of surgical and trauma services. Some of these responsibilities included restocking operating rooms with necessary surgical supplies and ensuring that each room was prepared for the following procedure. I was also responsible for transporting specimens, medications, and orders from the Shock Trauma unit to various locations within the hospital. Additionally, I assisted during surgeries by retrieving materials needed by surgeons that were unavailable in the operating room. This hands-on experience has given me valuable skills and insights. The high-pressure environment taught me the importance of staying calm under stress and remaining focused when faced with challenging situations. I also strengthened my communication skills through active listening and effectively conveying information, which I developed from frequent interactions with healthcare professionals. I also gained a deeper understanding of professionalism by observing how healthcare workers carried themselves with integrity and accountability. While volunteering, I gained insight into the global burden of trauma and the importance of reducing its burden on both individuals and communities. Observing the consequences of trauma in the operating room exposed me to the importance of effective injury prevention strategies and the need for initiatives that address risk factors.