Mini-Medical school empowers community members to advocate for their and others health

Purpose: Over the past three decades, the term Mini-Medical School (MMS) has been used to describe programs offered by schools of medicine, which provide health education to the lay public and health career exposure to youth. The University of Maryland School of Medicine has operated an MMS program since 2001. The purpose of this study was to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of MMS participants and the impacts of this program on their health. Methods: We analyzed anonymous post-completion program evaluation survey responses and we conducted focus groups with some of the participants who had attended the program for >= 10 years. Results: Most of the MMS participants were women (84%, n = 72), >= 55 years of age (88%), and well-educated (58% with college degree and higher); and 59% had attended the program for >= 5 years. The focus group discussions revealed acquisition of medical knowledge and community outreach as recurring themes; the former leading to empowerment of the participants for better self-care and care for others, while the latter driving them to health education and advocacy. Most of the participants showed interest in becoming "ambassadors" in their respective communities. Conclusion: The health information provided by the MMS program is well-received and even anticipated by its participants. It has empowered them to care for themselves and for others by making them educated consumers and health advocates in their community. The MMS program should work with the School's community partners to make this resource more widely accessible, particularly to populations experiencing the most health disparities.