Motivation to
Serve
“This experience was an opportunity to work harder than I ever had, to have more fun than I thought possible, to learn more about myself than I ever expected, and to contribute to a purpose that I quickly learned was much greater than my self. After my experience at Camp Sweeney, I am motivated to support and serve children and their families in whatever capacity I am able through the practice of medicine.”
– Kyle Barnack
Notre Dame, 2013 – Morrissey Hall
Indiana University School of Medicine
Levine Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Residency
Caring For
People
“My summer at Camp Sweeney was such a unique experience that helped me prepare for medical school. At Sweeney, counselors and campers alike learn to look past diabetes. We learn to treat symptoms, but more importantly we learn to treat each other with respect. Having the chance to be a counselor for these amazing kids allowed me to gain a new insight into how everyone is unique and special despite being bound by a certain disease, an important skill that translates into working with patients seen during my time in medical school.”
– Chandler Denison
LSU, 2018
LSU New Orleans School of Medicine
Compassionate
Care
“Working for Camp Sweeney was hands-down my favorite experience of my college years. The summer was full of rich, meaningful experiences that taught me about the difficulties diabetic kids face and the ways that small acts of kindness can make an impact on someone’s life. These kids are incredible, and spending the summer with them inspired my passion for patient care.”
– Amy Weinberg
UT Austin, 2019
McGovern Medical School
Medical
Experience
“As a medical student, Sweeney has prepared me to care deeply about my patients, work hard, understand complex medical physiology, and manage my time efficiently. The first two years of medical school taught me the book knowledge, but Sweeney taught me the invaluable skills of interacting with patients, attending physicians, and other healthcare team members. I would not trade the Sweeney experience for anything.”
– Sean Himel
Notre Dame, 2016 – Duncan Hall
University of Mississippi Medical School
University of Tennessee Memphis – Neurosurgery Residency
Gaining
Perspective
“When I think back to my time at Camp Sweeney, and I think about the bonds I’ve forged and the people I have met, it reminds me that everyone is unique, and everyone has their own story. But most of all it reminds me that as physicians we don’t treat heart failure or hypertension or Type 1 Diabetes; we treat patients.”
– Ian Flyke
Notre Dame, 2016 – O’Neil Hall
University of Wisconsin Medical School
University of North Carolina – OB/GYN Residency
Passion for
Medicine
“During each of my medical school interviews, Camp Sweeney was easily the focal point of conversation. My stories of caring for campers with Type 1 diabetes at Camp Sweeney conveyed a passion for medicine that my other research and volunteering experiences couldn’t match. If there was one aspect of my medical school application that set me apart from thousands of other qualified students, it was my decision to serve at Camp Sweeney.”
– Callie Merriam
Notre Dame, 2014 – Pasquerilla East
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Yale University – Diagnostic Radiology Residency