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St. Thomas Immunization Initiative. A student-run community action project
A H Ramsey1, W C Steinmann, A Capps
1Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, USA.
Summary
Medical students gained valuable community medicine experience through the St Thomas Immunization Initiative, administering 754 vaccinations. The program successfully benefited both the underserved community and the participating students.
Area of Science:
- Community Medicine
- Public Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Medical education increasingly emphasizes community engagement and practical experience.
- Underserved communities often face barriers to accessing essential health services like immunizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide first- and second-year medical students with clinical community medicine experience.
- To expose students to the principles and practice of community immunization programs.
- To foster a collaborative relationship between medical students and residents of an underserved community.
Main Methods:
- First- and second-year medical students participated in the St Thomas Immunization Initiative and 'Shots for Tots' projects from 1993-1995.
- Students received didactic instruction on immunization principles.
- Students administered vaccinations to children and adults in low-income neighborhoods.
Main Results:
- A total of 754 immunizations were administered to 331 children.
- 82% of surveyed students reported the project benefited the community.
- 79% of surveyed students reported personal benefit from participation.
Conclusions:
- The St Thomas Immunization Initiative provided a beneficial clinical experience for medical students.
- The program demonstrated a positive impact on the community served.
- Student participation fostered a greater likelihood of future community development project involvement.