Creighton Phoenix students and faculty unite for a Day of Service
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On a chilly Saturday morning this November, health sciences students and faculty members gathered on Creighton’s Phoenix campus before heading out into the community for the Day of Service. This annual tradition on the growing campus is a meaningful reminder of Creighton’s mission.
“The Day of Service in Phoenix allows members of the Creighton community to step away from our fast-paced schedules and reconnect with our ‘why’ for being in healthcare. Our volunteers show up eager to serve and open to learning,” says second-year medical student Lindsey Ernst.
Ernst and her fellow second-year medical student An Hoang organized the Day of Service this year. 80 volunteers spent the day at community sites around the Valley, including St. Vincent de Paul’s Key Campus Farm, Huger Mercy Living Center, Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped (ARCH), Welcome to America Project and Phoenix Dream Center. The volunteers started the day by listening to the inspiring words of Sara Beste, MD, MPH, associate professor of pediatrics at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix.
“The idea of proximity to the vulnerable changes everything. Proximity transforms a statistic into a living, breathing person with a face and a story. Enter into their communities, break bread with them, have conversations with them. Instead of generalizations or stereotypes, you’ll see humans,” says Beste.
Enter into their communities, break bread with them, have conversations with them. Instead of generalizations or stereotypes, you’ll see humans.
— Sara R. Beste, MD, MPH, associate professor of pediatrics at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix
The students certainly experienced “proximity” while at community sites around Phoenix. From assisting residents living with dementia at the Huger Mercy Living Center to supporting refugees with the Welcome to America Project, students and faculty worked closely with their neighbors in Phoenix.
And the Day of Service strengthens the Creighton community in Phoenix each year. An Hoang enjoys seeing her classmates giving back.
"The Day of Service is a powerful reminder of why we're here, and I'm so grateful to witness the hearts of gold among my peers," says Hoang.
The opportunity to work with diverse populations and gain a deeper understanding of the Phoenix community is certainly shaping these students into empathetic leaders in healthcare. Ernst has high hopes for the event in the future.
“There are so many incredible organizations throughout Phoenix. I hope that this event opens the door for more students to connect with service and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and our neighbors here in Arizona,” says Ernst.
The Day of Service allows members of the Creighton community to reconnect with our ‘why’ for being in healthcare.
— Lindsey Ernst, second-year medical student
