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Medical Plunge 2013

As part of their orientation, first-year medical students participated in a weeklong medical “plunge” that explored the topics of public health, diversity and health-care disparities in St. Louis

August 5, 2013

As part of their orientation, first-year medical students participated in a weeklong medical “plunge” that explored the topics of public health, diversity and health-care disparities in St. Louis.

On their first day of the Washington University Medical Plunge (WUMP), students toured some of central and north St. Louis’ hardscrabble neighborhoods. They later listened to and participated in presentations by health-care professionals and others. Students also visited several local organizations that provide a range of care for the region’s residents. There, they participated in service projects.

The increasingly popular program, created by Will Ross, MD, MPH, associate dean of the school’s Office of Diversity Programs, is in its 14th year and will be required for incoming medical students in 2014.

Washington University School of Medicine‘s 2,100 employed and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals. The School of Medicine is one of the leading medical research, teaching and patient-care institutions in the nation, currently ranked sixth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.