First-year Elon Physician Assistant Studies Program students participated in a service learning project at Garrett Elementary School in Mebane, N.C., on Sept. 21, 2018.
Thirty-seven physician assistant studies (PA) students from the Class of 2020 volunteered their time on Friday, Sept. 21, to participate in a service learning project at Garrett Elementary School in Mebane.
The project, “PA-rtnering for Healthy Habits,” was a continuation of a project initiated last year from a grant awarded to Shaun Lynch, assistant professor of physician assistant studies and academic coordinator, and Dr. Diane Duffy, assistant professor of physician assistant studies and director of clinical education, from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Health Foundation.
The PA students provided pediatric “patient education” to approximately 115 fifth-grade students with a focus on age-appropriate health education and promotion. The topics included nutrition, physical activity, oral health, safety, online safety/screentime, germs/hand hygiene and delivered “health fair style” in short, actively engaging stations.
Overall, the project was mutually beneficial for both the PA program and elementary school. The PA students were able to raise awareness and reinforce important health-related topics to the elementary students. Additionally, the project exposed the children, teachers, school and local community to the PA profession and how these medical providers are an important part of the health care team.