Rare Disease Advocacy Immersion

(1 Credit Hour) · Undergraduate

This experiential course serves as the community engagement component for the Minor in Science and Patient Advocacy (MSPA). It bridges classroom learning with real-world application, allowing students to participate in a community-based experience that builds upon the academic context and skills acquired from the minor's gateway coursework. The primary objective is to provide students with hands-on opportunities to work as advocates for patient service organizations or community groups in need, with a particular focus on understanding the unique challenges faced by rare disease patients. Through active participation, students will identify unmet patient needs in the community, develop tools for effective patient advocacy, and build meaningful relationships with community organizations dedicated to promoting quality of life and optimal health outcomes.