Medical Emergency Services

Overview: Oftentimes we see an issue in our community and we don’t immediately rush to solve it; we notice it and we might talk about it, but we move on. In this project, the students will not only identify a local environmental, mental or physical health issue, but also, they will propose ways to solve it.

Project Initiation: In a collective effort between the 3 participating courses, the project was launched through a 30-day health challenge to enact small, but critical, changes in their nutrition and physical activity. These included no junk food/sugar-based drinks, drinking more water, and exercising daily. They also had 8 interacting sessions with UC San Diego medical students, where they addressed health disparities in their communities. Collectively, these activities convinced students to own this project.

Project Exploration and Development: We expect the students will take ownership of their projects after team development and community building activities. Critical thinking, creative design and strengthening of leadership skills will be achieved by our students through literature review and design of the 30-day health project. Likewise, their interdisciplinary experience will be built through daily activities in the participating courses and interaction with their teachers. Weekly discussions with the UCSD medical students will forge an understanding of the importance of healthcare professions and education in our society. Non-compliance from the survey audience and among their fellow students participating in the 30-day health challenge, will enhance student reflection of the problems encountered in their communities.

Project Revision and Exhibition: This project will foment awareness about key health disparities in our communities. Through a rigorous 30-day health challenge, our students will prove to themselves how minor nutrition and physical activity changes may lead to positive outcomes in their mental and body health. Through data collection and analysis, supported by literature research, the student will be able to demonstrate to themselves and their peers the power of self-knowledge, health care prevention and community involvement.

Teachers and Subjects: Geanncarlo Lugo-Human Body Systems, Frank Alardi-English, Jorge Hernandez-Public Services