Jack West is a senior majoring in history and biology. He plans to pursue an MD and a masters in public health.

My health promotion internship at Pat Walker Health Center included creating engaging and informative social media content regarding general information to combating COVID-19 misinformation. I designed graphics and wrote copy for each post ideally posting at least once a week along with various Instagram stories.

Previously, my position for Pat Walker Health Center did not exist and I saw a need for accurate and frequent health information to be dispersed to the University population. I had no previous experience with graphic design or health promotion but was eager and willing to learn under my new advisor. As a pre-med/pre-public health student I have gradually come to realize and appreciate that medicine by itself will never be enough, effective health communication is critical to successful implementation and longevity. COVID-19 has shown the world the importance of introducing scientific information to the public in a concise and coherent manner. Though I did not meet any peers or experts in this field, I paid very close attention to who in this field is an effective leader and model. This internship also forced me to stay up to date regarding the health of the local community and world population and translate that information into work that was both creative and challenging. Initially, I began creating content for what I believed college students needed to be aware of. This included anything from mental health resources and reminders, to Pat Walker services, to sexual health education. My mindset and role changed dramatically when COVID-19 reached the United States and Arkansas. It became the priority of the health center and the University, consequentially all content was meant to update students, provide accurate medical information, and attempt to keep everyone safe. I saw this position as an opportunity to do more than create COVID posts, however. Ultimately, the field of public health is about social justice and when Black Lives Matter protests, anti-trans legislation, and anti-Asian hate occurred, I used this platform as a way to promote the work of activists and inform followers about existing health disparities. Though I don’t see myself working in a career focused on health promotion, I have come to appreciate its value beyond just an aesthetically pleasing Instagram profile. After a year or two, I intend to pursue a dual MD/MPH in global health and health policy, ideally coupling these to work in public health education. A love of personal connections drives my passion for medicine, while dedication to justice and equity motivates my work to positively affect communities. The future of medicine will increasingly depend on the intersection of culture, economics, and the environment. I want to ultimately play a role in both the quick results offered by clinical practice and the long-term solutions made possible by policy.