COM Outlook Winter 2021

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 41 Left: Participants pose for a commemorative photo at the AHEC Scholars Retreat in Deerfield Beach, Florida, in 2019. Below: Gabriel Quinones-Medina provides chainsaw instruction to volun- teers as they launch cleanup efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. of didactic interdisciplinary education on various topics, such as health issues, cultural compe- tency, and social determinants of health. These courses are taught in various formats, including modules, case studies, and team projects covering different avenues of student learning. The next portion involves 40 hours of experiential training that require the scholar to engage in an interprofessional, team-based experience in a rural and/or medi- cally underserved area. The goal of this part of the curriculum is to prepare students to be able to use their profession to impact the community outside of the work environment when they enter their respective fields. During the second year, the same format follows, with 40 hours of didactic and experiential training, but with an independent structure. The second year aims for scholars to identify community needs and see how they can help within their own profession by following trends, research, and adjusting their practice/field to have care that is more accessible to heal the needs of that community. Upon graduating from the program, students receive a pin and certificate. Scholars in Action Throughout the program, NSU AHEC Scholars have taken initiative on various community needs throughout the state. Because the experiential training is an independent component, it doesn’t come with many guidelines, but students can come to Huerta to review ideas and implementations. Scholars begin by doing research and seeing what the community needs, and then figuring out how to help in a way that matters to the community. When Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle in October 2018, third-year student Gabriel Quinones-Medina, M.S., M.B.S., evaluated and implemented safety procedures on properly operating chainsaws. He trained commu- nity members on how to safely approach fallen trees after the storm and clear branches from streets and homes. Due to COVID-19, Cassie Evans, B.S., who is a graduate student dietitian in the Master of Science in Nutrition program, worked on the Urban Farming Institute YouTube channel to inform the community on the best nutritional practices needed to maintain a healthy immune system. Working at Camp Bayou Creek, some scholars were able to implement disability programs with campers to allow them an authentic experience, while other scholars led the safety center at the Clewiston Health Fair. Now entering its third year, and having graduated its first cohort, the KPCOM’s AHEC Scholars program aims to bring out the best in recruitment and curriculum by relying on current and new adaptations. “After all, the program aims for you to find your greatest joy and the world’s greatest need and put them together,” Zucker concluded. o Story illustration by Hannah G. Kuker, NSU University School senior