Document Type
Scholarship
Abstract
Community outreach and the integration of cultural competency are essential to the education and development of healthcare professionals. This article describes incorporating service-learning into a course at a Jesuit and Mercy institution as a method of building cultural competency into a Physician Assistant (PA) curriculum. The project examined how service-learning impacted students’ understanding of community needs and allowed students to reflect on their values. In addition, it aimed to inspire students to build connections with vulnerable populations and have concern for the poor and marginalized. Students participated in service opportunities with a community partner to identify and meet the needs of the homeless population. Students completed pre and post surveys and a reflection paper based on their experiences. The survey response analysis supported the growth in students’ leadership competencies related to empathy, productive relationships, empowerment of others, and promoting diversity. Student reflection papers revealed positive responses in the outcome themes of compassion through service, developing relationships, common purpose, engagement with diverse communities and population needs. Experiences with service-learning allow future healthcare professionals to better understand diverse and vulnerable populations while becoming compassionate leaders.
Recommended Citation
Frost, Kelli ,MS, PA-C; Lyon, Nour ,MS, PA-C; Ko, Arthur ,PhD; Barry, Claire ,PA-S; and Martin, Michael ,MALS.
"Physician Assistant Students as Agents of Change through Service-Learning Opportunities."
Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal Vol. 13:
No.
2
(2024)
.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53309/2164-7666.1470
Available at:
https://epublications.regis.edu/jhe/vol13/iss2/7
