Eric Wiley @EWileySJ

The eight incoming University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina students on Wednesday got a lesson in volunteerism.

Students went to the Rebecca A. Morrison House to vacuum vents, scrub floors and doors, wipe down ceiling fans and perform a lot of the deep cleaning of the house that needs to be done on a semiannual basis, said Lisa Hoffman, manager of the Morrison House.

Each year, incoming medical students participate in a volunteer day during their orientation.

The students Ayodale Braimah, 22, of Liberal; Jorrie Dykes, 22, of Salina; Josh Bahr, 22, of Ellsworth; Josh Warner, 25, of Belleville; Maci Hicks, 22, of DeWitt, Neb.; Nate Grabill, 48, of Beloit; Nathan Finch, 30, of Lindsborg and Tyler Goeser, 22, Munich, N.D. have spent the week learning the schools new curriculum and resources available to them and getting to know each another.

Dykes said Wednesdays volunteer day gave students a glimpse of their future.

All of us are wanting to become physicians, so our duty is to serve, she said. This is a tangible way of doing that. Were serving family members of patients. This is kind of like a head start on whats to come. To be able to do it together is a plus.

Hicks referred to the experience as a great way to bond while helping others.

Its great to be able to serve in a rural community. Not only are we preparing to becoming health care professionals, but were serving a lot of people, she said. This class gets along really well. There is a sense of family. The support system is going to be phenomenal. Its an exciting time because weve been preparing for this moment."

Helping others

Since 1993, the Morrison House has served as a free hospitality house for families with loved ones who are patients at Salina Regional Health Center or Salina Surgical Hospital and for patients receiving treatment at Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

The house which averages about 95 guests a month has served families and patients from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.

Hoffman said this week is National Hospitality House Week.

A lot of the work that is done here is done by volunteers. Thats what we rely on, she said. What the students are doing today is important for us. It allows us to keep money to continue to provide the service we do. Were pretty fortunate to have something (Morrison House) like this in our region.

Bahr said hes eager to help people who are in need.

For me, I decided to go into medicine and to pursue a life of service. I want to help people, especially those in need who cant help themselves, he said. The Salina campus (KU School of Medicine) is probably the most community-oriented campus. This is kind of a symbol of that. Were excited and ready to serve the community.

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Incoming KU School of Medicine students enjoy day of volunteerism - Salina Journal