OSU Medical Students Aid Effort To Vaccinate Oklahomans Against COVID-19

Medical students at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine have been helping vaccinate Oklahomans against COVID-19.

175 medical students from OSU are helping assist with giving the COVID-19 vaccine at OSU Center for Health Services. 

"As part of our service-learning course, we're really encouraged to get out and help the community in any way that we can," said second-year medical student Wilson Sprinkles. 

Sprinkles has been helping with vaccine efforts and said it's been the learning opportunity of a lifetime. 

"The pandemic has affected people on so many different levels so to be able to be here and be a small part of the effort is really incredible," Sprinkles said.  

Sprinkles said he and his peers assist doctors and pharmacists by checking patients in, verifying information, and answering any questions. They also observe and check on patients after they have been vaccinated.  

"It really does feel like we're on an upturn and everyone is feeling very positive," he said. 

Sprinkles said this experience has helped prepare him for his future as a doctor. 

"It's like you can gain a greater appreciation for human connection and compassion and being there for someone when they really need it because right now that's more important than ever," Sprinkles said. 

In addition to the students in Tulsa, 54 students of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation campus are assisting with vaccines in Tahlequah.