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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Timothy F. Quigley, MPH, PA-C and Richard Muma, MPH, PA-C. Department of Physician Assistant, Wichita State University, Campus Box 43, Wichita, KS 67260-0043, 316.978.5760, tim.quigley@wichita.edu
DEVELOPING A SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT IN A HEALTH PROFESSIONS CURRICULUM
Objective: To develop and pilot a service-learning project for first year physician assistant (PA) students at a well-established metropolitan university PA program to encourage life-long community service.
Methods: Students were required as part of their course evaluation in Preventive Medicine and Community Health, to select a community agency of their choosing and to volunteer a minimum of six hours during the fall semester of 2001. Activities were documented and a reflective statement regarding their service was required.
Results: Three hundred seventy one (371) hours of community service were documented. Populations served included the homeless, disabled, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and persons affected by domestic violence. Student impressions regarding service-learning were broadly categorized in the following categories: Enhanced Community Awareness; Increased Exposure to Diverse Cultures; Positive Impact on Future Practice; Enhanced Appreciation of Bio-psycho-social aspects of Health Care; Commitment to Continue Community Service.
Discussion: This demonstration project can be easily replicated and can be utilized by other health professions programs interested in incorporating service-learning into the curriculum. The reflective statements and discussion show that service-learning benefits students by: beginning or continue life-long commitment to community service; enhancing classroom learning; and making lasting impact on their futures as health professionals and as active members of their communities.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Service Learning, Health Workers Training
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.