Dedication and Innovation: Petra Clark-Dufner’s Impact on UConn’s Urban Service Track Scholars Program
Petra Clark-Dufner has been a dynamic educator for nearly two decades, serving as the director of UConn’s Urban Service Track Scholars Program (UST) since its inception in 2007. She is passionate about providing accessible healthcare for all and has seen 17 cohorts of around 65 students each.
Clark-Dufner’s teaching approach is unique, combining rapid-fire questioning, gentle encouragement, and humor to keep her students engaged. During a session, she emphasizes the importance of assessing a patient’s feelings and using windows as a tool for deeper understanding. Her students appreciate her dedication to their education and have a deep respect and admiration for her commitment to their success.
The UST program offers a range of activities to enhance students’ learning experiences, including retreats, shared readings, interprofessional learning communities, a student-alumni podcast series, and community-based clinical trainings. Students are exposed to topics such as health care financing, cultural humility, advocacy, health promotion, basic screenings, and effective communication with community members and patients.
Throughout her tenure as program director, Clark-Dufner has been instrumental in equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to serve diverse populations effectively. Her innovative and engaging teaching methods continue to inspire and empower students in their pursuit of providing quality healthcare for all.
