Volunteer Spotlight: Amy and Mike Dunn
March 2008, Submitted to Atlanta Hospital News
By LaTroya Gant, Special Projects Coordinator, Hemophilia of Georgia
Most kids could never imagine that the doctors who stick them with needles would be eager to tell stories with them around a campfire. But for physicians like Hematologist Dr. Amy Dunn, camp is a favorite summer pastime. She and her husband, pediatric ER surgeon Dr. Mike Dunn, make it a priority to build relationships with young patients even outside of hospital walls. For more than five years, this husband-wife team has served on the volunteer medical staff for Hemophilia of Georgia's Camp Wannaklot, a summer camp for children who have inherited bleeding disorders.
"It's fun for me to see kids outside of clinic," says Dr. Amy who has treated many of the kids throughout their lives at Hemophilia Treatment Centers at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. "I'm particularly impressed with the leadership course, and have been really proud of how far my kids have come."
"My favorite part of camp," says Dr. Mike," is spending time with the kids." And that they do! While the doctors' main station is in MedLodge, the on-site clinic, you are more likely to find them practicing their aim with the teens at archery or riding on horseback with the kids at the stables.
But camp is not all nature trails and s'mores. The Drs. Dunn's primary responsibilities at camp include tending to minor injuries or complications caused by campers' bleeding disorders, and teaching kids how to self-infuse their medication.
Still, the list of the Dunn's contributions beyond providing medical care continues. They have implemented a German camper exchange program, and have recruited their own parents to volunteer as camp counselors. This summer, the two will present their experiences with underwater photography, adding to the camp's educational programming.
The Dunns love to see the kids get the opportunity to simply be kids. They may be serious physicians, but they don't hesitate to cheer campers on as they pass the swim test, conquer the ropes course and learn to become more independent. The Drs. Dunn have made Camp Wannaklot an incredible experience for kids with bleeding disorders and are an essential part of the camp's 15-year success.