Author’s note: A group of DMU students recently participated in a global health service trip, organized by the University’s Global Health Department, in Eastern Kentucky. Below, one of those students, Naima Yusuf, a second-year student in DMU’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, shares her experiences and perspectives from the trip. Watch the DMU blog for more insights from trip participant Pruthvi Kilaru, a student in DMU’s osteopathic medicine program.
From the Jackson City School website
As a group of 10 students, we made the journey from Iowa to Eastern Kentucky to learn about the health care system in Breathitt, Lee and Wolf counties. We stayed in the area for seven days and in a cabin surrounded by beautiful mountains and low cellular service. We each rotated to different sites and shared our experiences with one another. Some of us went with home health providers and hospital-based providers. Others visited the county health department where we shadowed environmentalists, the needle exchange program, COVID-19 testing and school vitality checks.
We got to learn about the impact of the needle exchange program and shadow health care providers who were nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. The most impactful experience I had was with the needle program on my first day. I gained great insight on what building trust, being compassionate and promoting health and wellness look like.
From the Jackson City School website
We came to learn about the community and rural health, but we did not want to leave without giving back to the community. As the team leader, I organized our visit to Jackson City School. We spoke with students in elementary to high school about our journey to medicine and answered any questions they had about medicine. Our first- and second-grade students had us explaining everything from vaccines to constipation to the cost of health care. We also put on an interactive event for the students so they could take on the role of being a physician. Students were able to learn how to take a patient history, how to use a stethoscope and how to tie a surgical knot. In the county health department, our classmate, Pruthvi Kilaru, was able to find companies who would donate free toiletries to the community.
My experiences in Eastern Kentucky solidified my decision to work in a rural community once I graduate. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from amazing providers and give back to the community.
Original source can be found here.
From Iowa to Kentucky: Learning and Giving Back
0Comments
Related
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses celebrates graduation of 38 entrepreneurs in Iowa
Goldman Sachs’ initiative recently honored thirty-eight new graduates from its Iowa cohort at DMACC’s Ankeny Campus. The program provides education and support for local entrepreneurs aiming for sustainable growth.
DMACC receives $2 million investment for new Trades & Industry Center project
Des Moines Area Community College has received a $2 million federal investment toward its new Trades & Industry Center building project on its Ankeny campus. The state-of-the-art facility aims to train students for high-demand careers including building trades and public safety roles.
Adult Literacy Center at DMACC marks 50 years of supporting adult learners
The Adult Literacy Center at DMACC celebrates its 50th anniversary supporting adult learners overcoming literacy challenges. Participants describe how individualized tutoring has helped them gain confidence and achieve personal goals.