Urban Service Track Scholars Program Thrives Under the Leadership of Petra Clark-Dufner
As a dynamic force in the field of health care, Petra Clark-Dufner has been instrumental in shaping the Urban Service Track Scholars Program (UST) at UConn. The program, which was founded in 2007, has welcomed 17 cohorts of approximately 65 students each from various health care disciplines. With her leadership, the program’s overarching goal is to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Clark-Dufner’s dedication to training the next generation of healthcare professionals is evident in the comprehensive education she provides to students. Beyond traditional coursework, students engage in retreats, shared reading assignments, interprofessional learning communities, podcasts, and community-based clinical experiences. Through these diverse learning opportunities, students gain valuable insights into healthcare financing, cultural competency, advocacy, and health promotion. Clark-Dufner emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with community members and patients and teaches her students how to effectively communicate and engage with those they serve.
The impact of Clark-Dufner’s leadership on the field of healthcare education is profound. Her passion and admiration from her students are evident as they describe her as a mentor, guide, and role model for those who pass through the UST program. She instills in them a deep sense of responsibility and compassion for those in need while shaping the future of healthcare delivery and ensuring that all individuals receive the care they deserve.
