Seven physician assistant students at Quinnipiac University have been selected to be scholars in the Urban Service Track, a University of Connecticut Health Center-based program designed to produce a cadre of well-qualified health care professionals committed to serving Connecticut’s urban underserved populations.
They are Simon Ebbott of New Haven, Jenna Gobel of East Haven, Karishma Harjani of Hamden, Kirsten Kenny of Wallingford, Lea Murphy of Wallingford, Elizabeth Songer of North Haven and Emily Teeple of Hamden. Magdalena Lukaszewicz, clinical assistant professor of physician assistant studies, is their adviser.
The scholars were selected from a pool of qualified applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to service. The scholars gain valuable exposure to the complex and challenging issues of health care in the inner city, and a strong mentorship component supports the scholars as they navigate their own personal and professional development. Students develop competencies in culture and linguistics; population health; health policy; advocacy; health care financing and management; leadership; community resources; interprofessional health care teams; and quality improvement.