A senior elective: promoting health in underserved communities.

Fam Med · 2001

other · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: A fourth-year service-learning elective was developed to teach medical students about the social, economic, and culturalfactors that affect health and health-seeking behavior DESCRIPTION: The elective provides students with didactic material and educational experiences in public housing sites in the community. Students work closely with community members to implement a community health care intervention. EVALUATION: Students respond to 10 reflection questions that assess their understanding of the important community factors that affect health. CONCLUSIONS: Reflection responses demonstrate that the course has challenged assumptions, dispelled stereotypes, and enhanced awareness of the role of socialfactors in maintaining health.