Moody Health Center Launches Service-Learning Requirement for Interns
September 19, 2018 - PASADENA, Texas
Moody Health Center (MHC) will now require all interns in Trimesters 8-10 to complete 16 hours of community service over the course of their internships.
The initiative, which began in the fall trimester, is to encourage interns to build trust and partnership with the community as well as gain a better understanding and appreciation for the community around the college. The service is not related with seeing patients but rather to stress the importance of community service.
“Community involvement is a critical part of contributing back to those we serve as doctors of chiropractic,” said Lawrence Wyatt, DC, DACBR, FICC, Associate Vice President for Clinics and Professor of Clinical Practices and Radiology. “It builds trust, respect and partnerships with members of the community. It also exposes us to the daily needs and desires of those in our community and gives us a better appreciation for the struggles of those near us. It enhances our compassion and empathy as well.”
The policy requires interns to volunteer with any organization in the Houston metropolitan area that focuses on helping people. The organization does not have to relate to healthcare and any volunteering in chiropractors’ offices cannot be used for credit.
In the past, MHC interns have already volunteered at organizations including The Bridge over Troubled Waters, Salvation Army, Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol (BACODA) and Sarah’s House.
The interns will volunteer on their own or in small groups but must go with the mindset of representing TCC and MHC as a larger entity.
“Before the interns go out into the field to volunteer, they must remember they do not only represent themselves, but also the Moody Health Center, Texas Chiropractic College and the chiropractic profession,” said Wyatt. “They must be professional, well organized and have a passion for sharing their knowledge and skills with the organization.”
This initiative will not only help chiropractic students better understand the needs of their communities, but will also help the communities better understand the importance of chiropractic and being knowledgeable about health issues.
“While doing community service, we can promote healthier behaviors, help identify key health issues within communities and engage in service-learning activities with underserved populations,” said Wyatt. “On a community level, the organization for which they volunteer is likely to collaborate with other volunteer organizations and local governments, providing services that help build a healthier, more prosperous community.”
About Texas Chiropractic College
Since 1908, Texas Chiropractic College has led the way in chiropractic education. Our mission is to educate knowledgeable, skillful and patient-centered chiropractors. Our Moody Health Center is open to the public and has been serving the Pasadena and surrounding communities for the past 50 years. To learn more, visit www.txchiro.edu or call us at 800.468.6839. Stay up to date with what is happening at Texas Chiropractic College by following our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Contact Information
For more information, contact [email protected] or 281.998.6023.
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