Broadening the Range of Student Organizations

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has halted many operations here at Salus, it hasn’t stopped the University from finding new ways to foster engagement for students. At least four new clubs have been established and while in-person meetings are postponed, the clubs have been making tremendous efforts with establishing their goals and in preparation for when COVID protocols become less restrictive. 

White Coats for Black Lives, Salus Hearts in Motion, National Perinatal Association, and Salam Muslim Student Association are just a few of the new organizations on campus that further emphasize the wide variety of student involvement the University has to offer. 

Informally known as the PA Students for Change Group, the Salus Chapter of White Coats for Black Lives (WC4BL) was established as an official organization by Madison Dastis, MMS ‘20. As a result of the ongoing racial injustices recently and continually happening in the U.S., WC4BL was created to allow students to engage with other medical professional students across the country. Formed in the spring of 2020, the mission of WC4BL is to “dismantle racism in medicine and promote the health, well-being, and self-determination of people of color.” 

With the creation of a new avenue to foster dialogue on racism as a public health concern, students are prepared to become advocates to their patients of color and to serve communities of color in the suburban Philadelphia area. Although she has graduated, Dastis remains involved and plans to assist the new organization. 

While WC4BL intends to make a lasting change throughout the country, Hearts in Motion intends to help those more than 3,000 miles away. 

Throughout the year, the Salus Hearts in Motion (HIM) club prepares for its annual trip to help provide medical care and education to try to improve health outcomes in Zacupa, Guatemala. Although COVID restrictions impacted the group’s plans for last year’s trip, HIM is currently in the process of making plans for this year’s trip. According to Jeanne-Marie Pennington, MSPAS, PA-C, clinical coordinator of the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program, members of the club volunteer for the opportunity to provide much needed medical education and care, participate in nutrition programs, and are able to integrate didactic education in a medically underserved area. The trips usually occur in August and various  fundraising events are hosted in advance to support the mission and offset travel expenses. 

After noticing Salus had various religious affiliated clubs, Sarah Bilal ’23OD, and the founding members of Salam Salus: Muslim Student Association, made their pitch during a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion event to establish an organization for Muslims or anyone of faith to connect, encourage, and build up one another in the faith of Islam. 

With the hopes of establishing a community to help others feel seen and acknowledge how faith and clinical activities are intertwined, all interested students are welcome. By becoming the bridge for concerns of students such as “Where can I find prayer space on campus?” or “How can I reschedule my lab on the day of Eid?” the club creates a safe space for people of all faiths to come together and socialize through the celebration of Islamic culture. By discovering connections between Muslims and the healthcare industry, the club plans on evolving with the needs of the members and help them understand how to find the key balance between school, chosen professions, and faith. 

Salus has become home to the third NPASS chapter in the United States as the latest club created on campus. The National Perinatal Association Student Society was originally founded by three Occupational Therapy students when they were in fieldwork placement at the Breastfeeding Resource Center. 

As a new club, it hopes to spread awareness on issues facing families and the perinatal population through education and on campus events. By partnering with other organizations in the greater Philadelphia region, the club has intentions to work interprofessionally to gain a better understanding how each discipline can work with this specific population.  

According to one of the founders, the club plans on writing a newsletter every semester with information about projects and accomplishments which will be sent to the National Perinatal Association. NPASS members are able to obtain mentorship with a professional in the NPA, creating beneficial networks for anyone who is interested. Be sure to stop by its table at future awareness events for topics in perinatal mental health or prematurity, journal club, documentary viewing, guest speakers, and more.

While each club is yet to have its first in-person meetings, many are currently meeting virtually. If you are interested in becoming a member of any of the clubs, email: wc4bl@salus.edu for White Coats for Black Lives, him@salus.edu for Hearts in Motion, salam@salus.edu for Salam Salus Muslim Student Association, and npass@salus.edu for National Perinatal Association Student Society.