When the pandemic hit, University of Arizona medical students’ clinical rotations were halted for their safety and the safety of health care workers. Even though they couldn't be on the front lines, many wanted to find a way to help and joined the nationwide COVID-19 Student Service Corps initiative.
UA's corps is made up of more than 150 medical students from the Tucson and Phoenix campuses, as well as public health and pharmacy majors.
Its mission is to support Arizona health systems, their workforce and patients and communities affected by the pandemic. Fourth-year medical student Nicole Segaline said she decided to join because she didn’t want to just sit around feeling helpless.
“I have always been very involved in community service so my first instinct when we were pulled out clinical rotations was what can I do to help," Segaline said.
The group has about 22 programs focused on creating or gathering personal protective equipment donations, providing food and resources among other efforts.
For one of their largest initiatives, the corps partnered with the Guardian Air medical transport program to deliver more than 1,000 pounds of PPE to the Navajo Nation. Kevin Gocheneur, another fourth-year medical student, is helping coordinate these deliveries.
“I can’t tell you how good it feels to know that we’ve lessened the suffering, maybe saved lives of front line providers and done just a little bit of good in the world," he said.
The corps is looking for gowns, touchless thermometers and hand sanitizers that the tribe still urgently needs.
