[box]Quinnipiac University physician assistant student Jaret Williams, right, provided information about the importance of dental health to a student at the Earth Day Health Fair at ACES Mill Road School in North Haven on April 27. Dana Shuriff, another Quinnipiac physician assistant student is next to Williams.[/box]
The physician assistant students read to the students at ACES Mill Road on April 27. They also presented a book to each child.
The ACES students also attended a health fair, where the physician assistant students taught them about the importance of recycling, bullying, nutrition, fitness, oral health and hygiene. They also learned about the PA profession and what to expect when getting a check-up.
“Watching the students’ faces light up when they heard their own heart beat was an amazing thing to see,” says Jamie Robyn, a physician assistant student.
Groups of five to six Quinnipiac physician assistant students have been going to ACES to read to the children twice a week since October.
“Seeing how excited the students get to read with us every week is a real eye-opener that we can make a difference in the community,” said Brad Crerar, a Quinnipiac physician assistant student who has read to ACES students several times over the past year.
Throughout the academic year, the physician assistant students raised money for projects to benefit the local community, including health fairs and a Midnight Run in downtown New Haven.
“It’s the various community outreach projects that help the Quinnipiac PA students look beyond the books and truly understand what the PA profession is all about,” said Cindy Lord, clinical associate professor and director of the physician assistant program.