“This provides a framework students can use in the future when they are providing health care to similar communities,’’ said FSUCares vice-president Elizabeth Brooks, whose work helped the organization win the grant. “Florida consists of many different cultures and languages that often create barriers to health care and the physician-patient relationship. Through personal experiences, the students learn how to overcome these barriers.’’

The grant will reinforce the work FSUCares does providing health education and screenings to the migrant farm worker population in Leon and surrounding counties. The population has many health care needs, including a lack of education about health issues and linguistically and culturally appropriate services and resources. 

The health fairs focus on four areas: nutrition, physical activity, occupational hazards and mental health issues.

FSUCares is a medical student organization at the College of Medicine with a mission of supporting health services, including medical care, counseling and education to those who would not otherwise have access to care. The emphasis is on medically underserved and underprivileged patient populations both locally and internationally.

“These experiences have reinforced the importance of the physician’s role as an educator,’’ Brooks said. “So many serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease can be influenced by lifestyle choices, such as good nutrition and exercise. 

“One of my primary responsibilities to my patients will be to educate them on how they can take control of their health and reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Through these experiences, I continue to see the need for prevention as a major component of health care, especially with the ever increasing problem of obesity in our country.’’

The grant is part of the AMA Foundation’s Fund for Better Health program, targeting issues of healthy lifestyles, public and patient safety and caring for the uninsured and underinsured. FSUCares is one of 33 organizations from around the country receiving the grant.

“We are excited to be able to support such a worthy project that will advance health care in America. The AMA Foundation is committed to making a difference in local communities,’’ said Dr. Barbara Rockett, AMA Foundation president.

FSU medical student organizations