It will be both exciting and some what ironic if Marty Sheedy realizes his dream to enter the healthcare industry as a respiratory therapist. The 17-year-old senior at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn has experienced both sides of the profession.

Sheedy has job shadowed at Oakwood Hospital & and medical center (OHMC) in the respiratory Therapy department and has also been hospitalized at Oakwood numerous times for serve asthma. He was born with arthrogryposis, a muscle disorder that causes limited range of motion in multiple joints. His other health challenges include scoliosis, club feet, dislocated hips and prune belly syndrome.

As a trained respiratory therapist, Sheedy said he would easily empathize with his patients: “I think being on the receiving end of the medical care many times before, gives me a big advantage.”

Sheedy learned in his school’s Allied Health class that Oakwood Healthcare System (OHS) had a summer camp for students interested in health care careers. The program is called OHS Summer Health Career Explorers (SHCE).

“I knew the camp would be a great way to see firsthand what it’s like to work at a hospital and not just be a patient,” Sheedy said.

To some extent, Sheedy’s medical condition inspired the Dearborn teenager’s career goals

“it has to do with all the times I have been in the hospital and me wanting to give back,” he said. “But also, I narrowed it down to something I would be able to do physically, with my limitations. I want to help people the way they have helped me.”

He added, “I’m glad Oakwood gave me the chance though the camp to learn more about the respiratory therapy, and I’m grateful for my family who supports me 100 percent.”

Printed in the Oakwood Healthcare Newspaper in Dearborn, Michigan