Written by Student Doctors Emily Huyhn, Otmar Borchard, Bella Frentz, Angelica Palaganas and Maria Tan
In an inspiring effort to bridge the gap in healthcare education, six dedicated medical students recently embarked on a journey to a small, medically underserved rural town three-and-a-half hours north of Yakima and just one hour from the Canadian border.
PNWU Student Doctor Jillian Zalunardo (PNWU-COM Class of 2026, Former Dermatology Club President), who is currently completing her clinical rotations in Omak, Washington, shared her home and experience in the region to lead the effort, coordinating with local middle school teachers in Omak to make the outreach event possible. Between Thursday 10/10 and Friday 10/11, Student Dr. Zalunardo and the current Dermatology Club Officer Board including Student Drs. Otmar Borchard, Bella Frentz (Pediatrics Club), Emily Huynh, Angelica Palaganas, and Maria Tan (all PNWU-COM Class of 2027) traveled to Omak after their first neurology systems exam, stayed overnight, and awoke early to prepare to teach.
Their mission? To empower middle and high school students with essential knowledge about dermatology and preventive healthcare practices.
The initiative, organized by PNWU’s Dermatology Club, focused on providing critical insights into skin health, aiming to equip students with information that can positively impact their well-being now and in the future.
Special thanks to Ms. Jessica Smith (CTE culinary teacher), Mrs. Tracie Tonasket (7th grade science teacher), Mrs. Leilani Beck (8th grade science teacher), Ms. Soni Klimek (CTE Business instructor) and Principal Audrey Hunt of Omak Middle School for welcoming the PNWU volunteers. Additionally, the event was made possible by Dr. Michael J. Scott (PNWU Chief of Dermatology) by his support in creating, participating, and overseeing this interactive event for all students.
Generous contributions of sunscreen samples were donated by Galderma Pharmaceuticals, which really allowed the message to be solidified at the event.
Engaging with the Community
The first stop came for Student Drs. Zalunardo and Huynh at a Continuing Technical Education (CTE) classroom at Omak High School.
The session was designed to be informative yet engaging, highlighting dermatology topics that resonate with high schoolers considering careers in healthcare. An interactive competition regarding safe skincare practices kept the Omak high school students thinking during the morning sessions.
Each class period was complete with prizes including sunscreen re-application stickers, PNWU swag, and sun-protective bucket hats (a big hit with our Gen Z and Alpha students!)
Following this, Student Drs. Borchard, Tan, Palaganas and Frentz hosted “takeover” sessions in eighth-grade science classrooms.
These sessions were dynamic, incorporating interactive discussions and hands-on activities to keep students engaged and invested in their learning. Both volunteer and middle school students benefitted as PNWU volunteers built presentation and classroom management skills by tailoring important clinical topics to their energetic young audience.
Key Topics Covered
The curriculum from the day covered a range of crucial topics:
- Skin Aging and Thinning: PNWU students discussed the natural processes of skin aging, emphasizing the importance of early preventive measures.
- Myth Busting on Sunscreen Use: A sizable portion of the sessions were spent debunking common misconceptions surrounding sunscreen. Notably highlighting why daily application is crucial, regardless of weather conditions or skin tone. Additionally, alternative ways to reduce harm from UV radiation were discussed, including sun protective clothing, when to reapply sunscreen, and how to choose skincare products that contain sun protection.
- UV Light Gel Manicures: Ahead of the Omak Homecoming Dance, students learned about the potential risks associated with UV light gel manicures. These include skin damage and melanoma risks, encouraging young students to make informed choices about beauty treatments and providing safer nail art alternatives.
- Basic Skin Cancer Biology: Also discussed, were some fundamentals of skin cancer, including its types, risk factors, mechanisms for metastasis, and the importance of prevention through “sun smart” habits and early detection through ABCDE self-examinations.
- Healthcare Career Pathway Exploration: To inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, PNWU leaders shared their own unique journeys into medicine, outlining various career paths and the educational requirements involved, emphasizing that no two paths are the same!
Impact and Reflection from the PNWU Volunteers
“The response from the students was overwhelmingly positive. They asked insightful questions and expressed their newfound understanding of skin health and its long-term implications. Several students and their teachers requested a return from PNWU next school year on broader preventive medicine topics. Many students were particularly fascinated by the discussions on career pathways, sparking interest in pursuing careers in healthcare.”
This initiative aimed to educate and inspire students to take an active health role. By reaching out to this medically underserved community, the hope is to create a ripple effect, encouraging these young individuals to prioritize their skin health and consider future careers in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pharmacy.
Looking Ahead
As the second- and third-year PNWU Student Dcotors reflect on the rewarding experience, they are motivated to continue outreach efforts. The Dermatology Club plans to explore more opportunities to serve rural communities, ensuring that preventive healthcare education reaches those who need it most.
The sentiment of the Dermatology Club is; through education, we can empower the next generation to take charge of their health, making informed decisions that can lead to healthier futures. Together, we are not just shaping careers; we are fostering a culture of health awareness and proactive healthcare in underserved areas. Stay tuned for Derm club’s upcoming initiatives and reach out if you are interested in aiding their mission to promote health education for all!
