In the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) and COMP-Northwest at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), community service is not just an expectation—it’s a fundamental part of preparing future healthcare providers to serve with empathy and understanding. As part of their training, COMP and COMP-Northwest students are required to complete 30 hours of community service-learning within their first two years of medical school. This course emphasizes the importance of connecting with the community, building relationships, and gaining a genuine understanding of the social determinants that influence health in diverse communities. For these students, community service is more than a curriculum requirement; it is a crucial experience that shapes them into compassionate and culturally sensitive practitioners equipped to meet the needs of a diverse patient population.
Community Service-Learning (CSL) strengthens medical education by applying classroom knowledge into various community settings, building compassionate medical leaders through interdisciplinary teamwork that improves overall community health and the health of our most vulnerable populations. Medical students collaborate closely with community members, community-based organizations, local school districts, and other essential community serving leaders, gaining insight into the challenges and strengths of the people they’ll serve.
Through CSL, our students support and lead local clinics, community health fairs, and programs for local youth. These opportunities allow our medical students the experience necessary to become intimately acquainted with the population and the indirect issues affecting health outcomes. They learn how factors like income, housing, education, and food access can directly impact patient well-being, gaining the knowledge and sensitivity needed to approach healthcare with a holistic, patient-centered perspective.
Health Career Ladder (HCL): A Pathway for Community Health and Engagement
One of the most impactful community service programs within WesternU’s offerings is the Pomona Health Career Ladder (PHCL). Now, in its 17th year, PHCL is a unique, multi-college collaboration that guides local students from preschool through college, providing a clear path for them to pursue careers in healthcare. A joint effort with the Pomona Unified School District, PHCL serves as a beacon of opportunity for Pomona’s youth, connecting them with healthcare professionals, hands-on workshops, and mentorship that inspire and prepare them for a future in medicine and health sciences.
HCL’s mission of fostering “from our community, for our community” healthcare professionals aligns with WesternU’s core commitment to community engagement and service. Through monthly “Academies” that host around 400 participants, HCL provides students with exposure to various healthcare fields, including osteopathic medicine, nursing, physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry and veterinary medicine. In addition to workshops, student participants also engage in interactive sessions, gaining skills and building their understanding of health professions. The program provides a wrap-around component in that parents and guardians are also required to attend specialized workshops dedicated to them while their child is in session. The intention of the program is not only provide enriching curriculum while attending HCL, but to also continue the conversation at home and beyond among the youth and their caretakers.
Pomona Community Health Action Team: Bringing healthcare to the community
The Pomona Community Health Action Team (PCHAT) is one of the first student clubs started at WesternU. Initially, PCHAT was comprised of COMP students, however, over the years it has expanded to become more interprofessional, encompassing PA, Pharmacy, and Podiatric Medicine students. PCHAT aims to support the local community through on-going health screenings, OMM treatment, vaccinations, and health education resources. Over the years, PCHAT student volunteers have dedicated their time to working closely with various organizations, including the Pomona Unified School District.
Serving Rural Communities through Education and Health Services
WesternU’s COMP-Northwest has made a significant impact in the Lebanon and local rural communities through its outreach programs, addressing health, nutrition, and education. The monthly health screenings at St. Martin’s Church provide vital medical check-ups for those who are unhoused, helping individuals track their health while fostering trust between medical students and the community. These interactions enhance students’ understanding of healthcare barriers and improve their patient care skills and communication. Additionally, each month, COMP-Northwest leads nutrition-focused cooking classes at Crossroads Community empowering residents with essential culinary and life skills, promoting healthier lifestyles and self-sufficiency with readily accessible healthy foods.
Beyond healthcare, COMP-Northwest inspires future generations through its Lebanon Health Career Ladder (LHCL), Mini Medical School and Adopt-a-Kindergarten initiatives, which introduce rural youth to science and medicine through interactive learning. By engaging children in hands-on STEM and health-related activities, these programs spark early interest in medical careers, with long-term results seen in increased enrollment in local healthcare education programs. Through these initiatives, COMP-Northwest strengthens community well-being, fosters education, and prepares future medical professionals to serve diverse populations.
Community Service-Learning: A holistic experience
It is important to note, the CSL projects are not necessarily all health-focused, but rather activities that bring awareness to students on the many health disparities our communities face. These projects include working with the unhoused, domestic violence victims, tutoring programs for local youth, and bringing education to those who are currently incarcerated.
WesternU COMP and COMP-Northwest medical students demonstrate a deep commitment to community service, far exceeding the required 30 hours of service-learning between their first and second years. Collectively, by the end of the academic year, current first- and second-year students will have completed over 10,000 CSL hours in their respective communities.
As the foundation of WesternU is grounded in humanism, WesternU COMP and COMP-Northwest students have illustrated this in their daily interactions on and off campus through their service. With over 600 WesternU medical students giving back to the community each year, the impact on our communities is evidence of their passion and dedication to serving and providing a holistic approach to patient care as future physicians.
