Ponce Health Sciences University, or PHSU, is making a name for itself as a place where students gain a world-class health sciences education. Through innovative, adaptive learning environments, students learn about the cultural and societal needs of the populations they serve, particularly in addressing health disparities among minority communities.
By educating underrepresented populations and targeting significant health disparities through scientific research, PHSU is preparing the next generation of healthcare and health science practitioners to be highly skilled, compassionate and culturally sensitive to the fact that not all populations have the same access to medical care. This gap is often linked to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, geographic location and other barriers. These disparities result in certain groups experiencing poorer health outcomes and higher rates of illness and mortality compared to others.
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PHSU seeks to eliminate these differences in health outcomes through education and community events. For instance, the university will host its second annual Community Health Fair, in partnership with council member Dr. Yolanda “Yogi” Yancie, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, located at 4631 Delmar Blvd., in downtown St. Louis. The event is free and open to the public.
Individuals will have the opportunity to receive on-site mammograms and free screenings, and testing for prostate cancer, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among others. Take-home FIT kits for colorectal cancer testing will also be distributed. Representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, the Sickle Cell Foundation, Kidney Foundation and American Diabetes Foundation will also be in attendance to distribute information and educate participants on symptoms and treatments. Members of the St. Louis city police and fire departments will be offering up safety tips and smoke detectors.
“We are excited to announce the return of our second annual Health Fair, an event that brings to life the mission of Ponce Health Sciences University, continuing our commitment to connect our students with the community while providing invaluable real-world experience in patient care,” said Karina Ball, PHSU chief marketing officer.
The program’s 60 medical students will be staffing the health fair as well. Of the students, half are in their first year of med school and the other half in their second. Just in its second year of accepting medical cohorts, the university’s labs and classrooms are “bustling” with activity these days.
“Our students at PHSU are given the unique opportunity to work directly with patients, gaining hands-on experience that is essential for their medical education. The Health Fair allows them to feel the gratification of serving others early in their education path, fostering a deeper understanding and passion for their future roles as healthcare professionals. We are proud to give back to the St. Louis community,” Ball said.
Established in St. Louis in 2018, the university’s one-year Master of Science in medical sciences program enhances the credentials of students with a bachelor’s degree and prepares them for entry into M.D. programs and other health sciences pathways. In addition, the school offers a five-year, science-based doctorate degree in the clinical psychology program.
This dynamic program also includes medical roundtable discussions with area doctors, providing PHSU students with real-world mentoring advice and feedback. Students also oversee the university’s mini medical program for elementary students who excel in math and science.
“It’s important for young students to be able to see someone who looks like them in jobs they may be interested in doing during their lives,” Ball said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for both the young ones and our current students.”
For more information, please visit stlouis.psm.edu or call 314.499.6540.
