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Urban Service Track

The Urban Service Track is designed to produce a cadre of well qualified health care professionals committed to serving Connecticut’s urban underserved populations. As Urban Health Scholars, participants represent a select group of students enrolled in the University of Connecticut Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Dental Medicine.

A total of 36 to 40 Urban Health Scholars, nine to ten students per school, are selected each year from among qualified applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to service. Urban Health Scholars gain valuable exposure to the complex and challenging issues of health care in the inner city. A strong mentorship component supports Urban Health Scholars as they navigate their own personal and professional development.

Students develop competencies in the following areas: culture and linguistics, population health, health policy, advocacy, health care financing and management, leadership, community resources, interprofessional health care teams, and quality improvement.

In addition to completing the basic science and clinical curricula of their respective schools, Urban Health Scholars are exposed to a set of interprofessional experiences designed to heighten awareness of the intriguing challenges and unique opportunities in urban communities. Clinical training occurs in federally qualified health centers and other primary care facilities in Connecticut’s urban underserved communities. Elective clinical experiences focus on underserved settings such as homeless shelters and migrant farm worker clinics.

The Urban Service Track officially enrolled its first group of students in the fall of 2007. Urban Health Scholars, who are eligible for financial assistance, may apply for scholarship and stipend support. Financial support is based on resource availability through the Financial Aid Office on each campus.

Urban Health Scholars at the 2011 National Primary Care Week banquet, Farmington, CT. View larger image >

The Urban Service Track (UST) is an enrichment program for health professions students enrolled in UConn’s School of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Social Work and Quinnipiac University’s Physician Assistant Program. More than 175 students are currently enrolled. The focus of UST is enhancing health profession student knowledge about interprofessional collaborative care, medical management of vulnerable and underserved patient populations, and public service. For more information, contact Petra Clark-Dufner at clarkdufner@uchc.edu.