Forty-eight Wayne State University physician assistant studies (PAS) students, along with a few faculty members, volunteered at the 9th Annual Men's Health Event at Ford Field on Saturday, Sept. 21. The event is hosted by the Michigan Institute of Urology Men's Health Foundation and provides men in Detroit and surrounding areas a better understanding of how to stay healthy, free health screenings to assess their current health and information about advances in healthcare. This is the second year WSU Applebaum PAS students have participated under the direction of faculty member Corinne Gratson, MS, PA-C.

Gratson teaches the Health Care Issues (PAS 7080) class, and prior to the event her coursework includes an assignment for students to design and share informative presentations for their class members on various men's health topics.

Through the Men's Health Event, students rotated through the screening stations to afford them exposure to a variety of health concerns. Screenings included vital measurements, a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, magnesium, uric acid, glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, liver function, BMI and body fat percentage assessments, mental health screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, skin cancer screenings, EKG testing, hearing, joint and mobility assessments, dental examinations and more.

Attendees were also offered free flu shots, haircuts, lunch and the opportunity to kick a field goal at Ford Field. Premier health care partner St. Joseph Mercy Health System even offered free transportation to and from the event for those who needed it.

Student reflections were collected at the end of the day and included:

"I learned from this experience, how to connect with patients and even though I feel like I know very little, so many patients were so grateful for the information I gave them."

"I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to volunteer at this event. I met some really awesome people, both attendees and other volunteers. It is so important to provide that kind of access and screening to everyone, and the fact that it was all free to those that attended is incredible. I would like to be involved in this again and maybe get involved in starting a similar event for women. I had so much fun talking with all of the men that came through my stations and I hope that they got at least as much out of the day as I did."

"I learned that there are a ton of people out there who we think don't care about their health, but in reality they just don't have the means to get their questions answered or they don't know how to make the right changes."

"I feel very fulfilled having the experience to interact with participants. They were very thankful for our help and more importantly, I learned a lot from them!"

"I thought the event was extremely helpful for many people that came. It consolidated so many different aspects of healthcare that many people don't have the time or resources to cover on their own."

Learn more about the master of science in physician assistant studies program.