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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU-Com Charts the Progress of Project HOPE
In 2010, Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM) received a five-year, $1.6 million predoctoral primary care training grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The resulting Project HOPE (Homelessness in Osteopathic Predoctoral Education) addresses the deficit in medical education training specific to the health care and psychosocial needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Statistics on homelessness are widely underreported, which is why part of this educational effort is to expand awareness of the federal definition of homelessness that includes individuals who lack stability in housing. Project HOPE trains medical students and provides them with the requisite knowledge and skills to care for those who are neglected and grossly underserved.
With the project now in full swing, the inaugural didactic presentation within the college’s Medicine, Health, and Society course was provided to all first-year students. The presentation was designed and facilitated by Elliot M. Sklar, Ph.D., M.S., assistant professor of family medicine/public health and Project Hope director, and Bertha Tavarez from the Psychological Services Center.
Breakout sessions following the lecture allowed students to interact with individuals who have previously or currently experience homelessness in surrounding communities. These very personal anecdotes and interactions provided for the greatest impact upon participating faculty members and students. The didactic training has been adopted by Broward Partnership for the Homeless as a resource. Project partners and curricula continue to be developed within NSU-COM’s mission to catalyze and produce a cadre of physicians with keen sensitivity and unyielding commitment to those who are underserved in the local community.
Project Hope logo