Petra Clark-Dufner, a dynamic force in the field of healthcare education, leads students through a rigorous urban services bootcamp with a unique blend of humor, encouragement, and quick-fire questions. She challenges healthcare professionals to think critically and stay engaged, creating a stimulating learning environment. With her guidance, students are able to make connections between their coursework and real-world applications.
As the director of UConn’s Urban Service Track Scholars Program (UST), Clark-Dufner has been instrumental in shaping the program for nearly two decades. Since its inception in 2007, the program has welcomed 17 cohorts of approximately 65 students each, representing various health care disciplines. The overarching goal of the program is to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Clark-Dufner emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with community members and patients, teaching her students how to effectively communicate and engage with those they serve. Students in the UST program receive a comprehensive education that goes beyond traditional coursework. They 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’s dedication to training the next generation of healthcare professionals is evident in the passion and admiration her students have for her. She is a mentor, a guide, and a role model for those who pass through the UST program
