Higher Education

      UAMS has played a large part in my decision to stay in Public Health. Over the summer, I participated in an internship through both UAMS and Arkansas Department of Health. UAMS stands for University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. Personally, I have been considering attending UAMS grad school for a Master's in Public Health. I love this school, and their programs. Throughout looking at their website, their public relations efforts definitely shine through. UAMS has 5 colleges and a graduate school. 

     The colleges that they have include; 1. College of Health Professions, 2. College of Medicine, 3. College of Nursing, 4. College of Pharmacy, 5. College of Public Health. 

     They are marketed as the only health sciences university in the state of Arkansas. They currently are the largest public employer in Arkansas. They have more than 10,000 total employees. Throughout their 5 colleges, they have 73 baccalaureate, master's, doctoral, and other degree programs. They have a large impact economically, and throughout the community. UAMS currently trains 60% of the physicians in Arkansas. 

    UAMS also currently works with the VA Medical Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and the Arkansas Department of health for a variety of programs and projects. In 2022, out of 191 medical schools, UAMS was ranked #39 in best medical schools: primary care, #75 in best medical schools: research, and #35 in most graduates practicing in primary care fields. UAMS is the only medical center with a high-risk pregnancy program, adult cystic fibrosis center, and liver/kidney transplant program in the state of Arkansas.      The UAMS campus includes more than 84 acres, and is located in Little Rock on Markham street. It has been on this location since 1956. Outside of the main location, UAMS also has 8 regional centers, and  11 health clinics, and part of the freeway Medical Building. 

     Their mission statement includes qualities such as; "providing high  quality, innovative, patient, and family centered health care, and speciality expertise not routinely available in community settings." 

     Some programs that showcase how they help the community includes multiple, but the one we will focus on is UAMS AR IMPACT.This program focuses on education through TeleVideo to physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and pharmacists. This is a completely free class. It is funded through grants from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, as well as the Office of the State Drug Director. They truly want to help providers better treat patients with pain problems, by also teaching them about utilizing opiod treatment in the most sparingly way possible. 

   

 Another program that they have includes their family wellness program. This program is geared towards teaching parents. This program includes free parenting classes for fathers. These classes are offered in many languages including; English, Spanish, and Marshallese. This program also works with mothers during and after pregnancy as well. They have prenatal and postpartum support ranging in any physical needs, or mental health needs being met. They also supply, breastfeeding support, clincial home visity, injury prevention strategies, safe sleep education, etc..

    

The third program that will be mentioned is the Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease program. This program seeks to improve patient-centered care and outcomes for diverse populations impacted by Type 2 Diabetes. Over 10 % of Americans are diagnosed with a type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes diagnosis' are 90% of those 10 diagnosis. Usually Type 2 Diabetes can be managed through exercise and diet, but most may require medicine. They are mainly trying to target families living in food insecure areas, or in food deserts. 

    Another aspect to UAMS that I actually learned about was that they work with Corps Vista. Just like SAU, VISTA, which is a federal program will higher year long members to work in the community as part of the college while also being supplied a living allowence, payment, and an educational benefit. 

     During the Pandemic, UAMS truly worked to help the community through mobile units and through taking care of Covid patients. Many families are grateful for UAMS work as not only a university, but also as a hospital. 

     UAMS currently has a Youtube channel, and an Instagram. Their Youtube channel has 7.73 K subscribers. UAMS has 6.38 K followers on Instagram. 

      UAMS has monthly news releases. UAMS also has a part of the website dedicated to patient's stories. UAMS definitely utilize their platforms well. Anyone who lives in Arkansas, knows about the great work that the UAMS institution does in regards to training skilled health professionals who can later treat patients. This is absolutely necessary! I am very grateful for the work that UAMS does. 

    The current tuition for an in-state resident for Arkansas is 16,505 dollars per semester. A non-resident tuition of someone attending UAMS would be; 32,590 dollars per semester.