Frontier Nursing Services

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In March of 2007, four Dartmouth Medical Students and three MPH students spent a week in Hyden Kentucky, volunteering with the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) and shadowing healthcare providers. Students were active in a new after-school reading program, helped run the monthly food bank, and helped to improve some of the FNS facilities. There were also opportunities to observe pre-natal visits, shadow in the operating room, and sit in on drug addictions counseling sessions. Clara Savage, an MPH student felt that all of the health care providers she encountered had a genuine interest in serving their community and making a difference in the lives of the many people here who are faced with geographic isolation, abject poverty, few job opportunities and a high prevalence of drug abuse. Her sentiment captures the feeling of many of the students, leaving them all inspired to become this sort of physician in their communities in the future. Another MPH student, Julie Zitterkopf really enjoyed her time with the "Save the Children" after school program. "Serving as a reading partner and role model with the "Save the Children" after school reading program was also unforgettable. Watching the accomplishment on the children's faces and knowing that I helped make them smile is the best feeling in the world." The community service and medical experiences of all of the students were memorable and valuable. This trip is scheduled to occur again in March 2008.

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