The University of Maryland School of Medicine's (UMSOM) Mini-Medical School program returned this spring in a new location at the Village at Mondawmin in West Baltimore. It reconnected Baltimore residents of all ages with free health education led by UMSOM faculty members and introduced them to a new site adjacent to the future home of a planned community health hub at Mondawmin.

Held across three monthly sessions beginning in April, the revitalized program welcomed more than 30 participants from across Baltimore at TouchPoint Baltimore, a community center located at the Village at Mondawmin in West Baltimore. Before the program began, community members were surveyed about the health topics they wanted to learn about, which helped shape the curriculum. Faculty experts took their input and fashioned lectures on topics ranging from healthy eating and nutrition to mental health and overall well-being.

Shana Ntiri, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine, who directs the Mini-Med School program, pointed out that the program reflects UMSOM's broader commitment to improving community health through education and engagement.

"The mission of Mini-Med School is the mission of the School of Medicine," Dr. Ntiri said. "We want to improve the health of the people in our communities, Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond, and ensure participants receive evidence-based information that empowers them to become advocates for health within their own communities.”

Throughout the program, participants engaged with UMSOM faculty members, asking questions, and learning practical strategies for improving their health and well-being.

• Elizabeth Dennis, PhD, R.D., Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, discussed the role of nutrition in preventing chronic disease.
• Darrell Rubin, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, shared insights on high blood pressure.
• Bernadette Siaton, MD, MEdHP, Associate Professor of Medicine, explained autoimmune disorders.
• Kiranpreet Chawla, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, highlighted the importance of bone health.
• Laundette Jones, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health, provided coping strategies for this summer’s extreme heat.
• Anique K. Forrester, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, spoke about trauma and resilience.

The sessions all reflected the Mini-Med School program's longstanding goal of connecting community members with trusted health information and the experts advancing health care and research at UMSOM.

First launched in 2001, Mini-Med School was designed to help faculty members make strong connections to members of the local West Baltimore community and to empower community members with health information on topics that matter most to them. The program creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue around health and disease prevention while helping participants make informed decisions on their health.

Many of this year's attendees were longtime supporters of the program and expressed excitement about its return. Past attendee Vincent Moore, a former Baltimore City paramedic who returned this year, said: "Even now, people reach out to me looking for answers about their health. What I've learned through Mini-Medical School has given me information I can share with family, friends, and members of my community."

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Mini-Medical School Kids

This summer also ushered in the return of Mini-Med School for Kids with 45 children ages 4 to 14 participating in the five-week program that ran in July and August. UMSOM partnered with The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center of Franklin Square summer camp and held the program at 215 N Calhoun St.

Michelle Giglio, PhD, Professor of Medicine, and Joseph Receveur, PhD, Bioinformatics Analyst I at The Institute for Genome Sciences at UMSOM, introduced students to the science of DNA through interactive activities. Campers extracted DNA from strawberries and built their own DNA models, providing an engaging introduction to genetics and biomedical research. Students also learned about asthma and respiratory health from Mary E. Bollinger, DO, Professor of Pediatrics, explored how the heart functions with Sudhir Vashist, MBBS, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and discussed cyberbullying awareness and online safety with Rebecca Aronson, PsyD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry.

By connecting Baltimore residents with trusted health information and creating opportunities to engage directly with health care experts, Mini-Medical School continues to strengthen UMSOM's commitment to community outreach. Whether helping adults make informed decisions about their health or inspiring children to consider careers in medicine and science, the program aims to improve health literacy and empower communities across Baltimore and beyond.