The competition invited students to submit one-page designs on a number of health topics with the goal of helping USA Health patients make more informed decisions about their health, said Gisella Ward, MPH, a fourth-year medical student and president of the Public Health Interest Group.
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| Ian Thompson |
“Students were able to be creative and marry the art and science of medicine to promote public health,” Ward said. “Helping educate our patients in a variety of ways teaches them self-efficacy to inform and improve their own health outcomes. They are more compliant when they understand the risks and benefits of their decisions.”
The infographics were judged by a panel of USA and USA Health faculty and physicians.
“I'm incredibly grateful that my work was selected for this honor,” said Thompson, who also won a $25 Amazon gift card. “USA Health serves a large and diverse patient population; and while it's admittedly intimidating to know that so many people will see my infographic, it's also nice to know that my efforts may inspire them to take action.”
Thompson, who had some experience designing flyers during his undergraduate studies, said he considered a few topics for the infographic competition such as diabetes and handwashing. He settled on vaccinations after realizing how much misinformation there was about them.
“People tend to fear what they don't properly understand; but as we learn more, it becomes easier for us to realize that we actually have nothing to be afraid of,” he said. “It is my hope that my infographic will eliminate some common misconceptions about vaccines.”
