COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SERVICE AND IMPACT
During an alternative spring break, Doctor of Audiology and Doctor of Physical Therapy students participated in a service-learning experience in Tyrrell County, North Carolina
Community Engagement, Service, and Impact S T UDENT Department of Allied Health Sciences’ Students and Faculty Participate in Interdisciplinary Spring Break Trip to Tyrrell County, North Carolina Students and faculty members from the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences and the Division of Physical Therapy traveled to Tyrrell County, North Carolina, for an interdisciplinary service-learning trip over spring break. Tyrrell County is in the Northeast corner of the state, and it is a relatively under-resourced area when it comes to dedicated health care resources needed for a healthy population. During this year’s trip, a record 25 students kept a rigorous schedule, and juggled logistics as interprofessional teams offered health promotion and physical fitness activities at the schools, risk screening for falls, blood pressure and polypharmacy at the local senior center, home visits for people with complex health challenges, audiology screening and more.
FEAT URE DAHS faculty on the trip included Vicki Mercer, an associate professor in the Division of Physical Therapy and Hannah Siburt, an assistant professor in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences. Meredith Braza, a Doctor of Audiology student from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said the experience taught her about social determinants of health in the classroom. “This trip inspired me not only to foster interpersonal relationships with my patients but also influence policy surrounding equitable health care access,” Braza said. “I will undoubtedly carry the kindness and communion of Tyrrell County into my career and beyond.” Vicki Mercer, PT, PhD, is also the director of the Human Movement Science curriculum and Hannah Siburt, AuD, PhD, is a clinical audiologist at the UNC Hearing and Communication Center.
D EPA RTM EN T O F A LLI ED HEA LTH S C IENCES - 11
