The Office of Professionalism extends its efforts through community-based initiatives
The Office of Professionalism at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston focuses on programs that enhance student values and ethical practices, personal competencies, and the formation of professional identities as students prepare to enter the workplace successfully.
Professionalism is woven into every aspect of the university, and the office embraces it as a central component in the lives of future healthcare professionals and a fundamental goal of UTHealth Houston’s university-wide education efforts.
“As students begin to form their identities as physicians, it is crucial they practice all aspects of their future roles,” said Asia Bright, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Office of Professionalism. “Academic medicine plays a significant part in this identity-building process. By engaging in activities such as grant writing and considering data collection methods early on, they embark on their journey in medical research and education. This involvement also strengthens their connection with the community to whom they have pledged their commitment.”
The Office of Professionalism recently created an inaugural COMMIT grant application, which stands for Community Outreach Molding Medical Identities to Thrive, and announced its first round of winners. The grant is for any approved and registered student organization at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston that is conducting an activity or event that promotes professionalism, service learning, and/or community immersion.
The local chapter of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association will host its Hepatitis B Health Fair on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Chinese Bible Church, 6025 Sovereign Dr, Houston, TX 77036. The event’s goal is to provide a safe, positive learning environment for its members to grow and learn about the health disparities in the Houston Asian community, a historically underserved population.
The Climbing Club will host Kids Climb Day on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Momentum Indoor Climbing Katy, 25410 Katy Mills Pkwy, Katy, TX 77494. Kids Climb Day will offer 15-20 children with chronic renal diseases the chance to safely participate in top rope climbing with Climbing Club members. By expanding Kids Climb Day to include children living with chronic disease and establishing ongoing collaborations, the Climbing Club aims to create a sustainable model for community engagement and expand impact beyond the event itself.
McGovern Students for Veterans will lead a Veteran’s Day fundraiser, raffle, and flag football tournament from Wednesday, Nov. 13, to Monday, Nov. 18, with various booths set up across campus to raise awareness and donations for local veteran-supporting organizations. The club aims to educate students about veterans’ unique health experiences and social and mental challenges.
The Latino Medical Student Association will lead the initiative, “Shaping the Future: Building Leaders and Stronger Communities,” throughout the 2024-25 academic school year, with hopes of extending it in the future. The initiative aims to strengthen Houston Independent School District community pathway programs as they engage with students through mentorship and hands-on skills events while also helping shape their professional identity and encouraging pursuing higher education at an early age.
Each organization was awarded up to $2,500 that will be used toward event promotional materials, administrative needs, and supplies.
For more information, visit the Office of Professionalism site.