The Florida State University Medical Response Unit (MRU) is an organization comprised of about 100 student volunteers who are either certified EMRs or EMTs that respond to medical-based 911 calls from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Kat Boada currently serves as the organization’s Director of Special Projects meaning she oversees outreach programs, marketing, social events and any additional projects the unit chooses to take on. She’s actually the only woman on the executive board as well!
Her Campus (HC): What made you decide to apply for MRU?
Kat Boada (KB): Actually, I found out about MRU from my Freshman Interest Group (FIG) my first semester at Florida State. After researching the organization and meeting multiple responders on the unit I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. My FIG leader at the time, Robel pushed me to apply for the organization encouraging me as he felt as if I would be a great addition to the organization and supported me throughout the whole process.
HC: What do you think is the most rewarding part of MRU?
KB: As a responder, I think the most rewarding part of MRU is being able to help people in moments that are pretty scary and be able to be a helping hand to our FSU campus and community. As a director, the most rewarding part for me is seeing the students that make up my internal team continue growing their passion for our organization and being so willing to put in extra hours and effort to continue spreading awareness, education and morale towards the FSU community.
HC: What is the public health program you created? How did you develop it?
KB: The program health program I found is specifically designed for the Greek community on Florida State’s campus. Working with other responders on the unit, and the administrative team at the office of Fraternity and Sorority life for over a year we have created “GreekSAFE.” The program works to bring education on basic medical situations that students may encounter in Greek life as organizational leaders at chapter facilities and throughout the recruitment processes. We have also designed basic medical bags that are selected to be piloted at select chapter facilities early Spring of the 2023 semester. In a year from now, we hope to supply every single Greek chapter facility with a GreekSAFE medical bag and work towards educating as many students and staff members as possible.
HC: What’s it like working in the medical field as a woman?
KB: Empowering, especially in emergency medicine. There are barriers and challenges I have faced and am sure will continue to face as my career continues to grow but, it has been so worth it for all the things I am so proud to have accomplished. In past times, women weren’t respected in the healthcare industry but now that stigma is breaking down as more women are dominating and flourishing in healthcare.
HC: Is it hard to balance your Greek life commitments with your MRU commitments?
KB: Sometimes, definitely! But the Greek community and the Medical Response Unit embody both of my passions at Florida State University. It is two parts of my college career that have blended harmoniously through each of the organizations I am a part of supporting me in my endeavors. Any stressful moments or challenges are worth it because it is all part of growth and want to see two communities that I am proud to be part of continue advancing.
HC: How will MRU help you with your future career ambitions?
KB: In the future, I am hoping to study medical malpractice law and develop public health programs to advance healthcare for underprivileged communities in Miami, FL. MRU allows me the opportunities to work on my professional development and leadership in a healthcare setting. Another passion of mine is marketing and media which also perfectly correlates with my responsibilities on the unit as I oversee the unit’s social media platforms. Working with all of the responders, fellow executive board members, and my internal cabinet has helped me grow in more ways than I ever imagined, everything I have learned I will carry with me throughout the rest of my professional career.
You can find out more about Florida State’s Medical Response Unit on their Instagram.
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