This intensive month long elective is offered to undergraduate and postgraduate learners from across disciplines (public health, medicine, nursing, PA, dentistry). Students in our curriculum are “challenged to engage the public, address societal issues, and develop the skills and attributes of critical thinkers and [conscientious] citizens,” as outlined in the university’s Strategic Plan. There are 3 core activities utilized to deliver curricular content including scholarship, experiences, and reflection/evaluation.
Scholarship
Didactics: lectures, discussions, and readings relevant to current topic area. Scholarly Project/ activity: Learners work with community partners on a project that will be presented as an oral presentation, research abstract/poster.
Experiences
- Observational: Core experiences consisting largely of site visits with community partners (e.g. homeless shelter, prison medical facility, legislative visits).
- Direct Service: Participants are expected to participate in a service project(s).
- Clinical experiences: When appropriate, learners will engage in provision of medical services at one of the community partner sites.
Reflection and Evaluation
Sample evaluations include Pre and Post-tests, small group discussions, journaling, photo journaling, and learner and community partner feedback| Wk | Scholarship (Sample Lectures/Readings ) Topics and Subtopics |
Sample Experiences (Observational/Direct Service) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Socioeconomic Status and Health
|
|
| 2 | Cross-Cultural Communication; Health Disparities
|
|
| 3 | Health Literacy and Health Communication
|
|
| 4 | Patient and Legislative Advocacy
|
|