Student Researcher Helps Guide Portage Residents to Healthier Choices

Practical advice that will make a difference to patients: That’s what Sophie Bell was after when she tackled a research project in the area of social determinants of health.

The second-year College of Medicine student explains, “We talk a lot in courses at NEOMED about how social determinants of health can impact patient’s health outcomes. You can discuss positive lifestyle changes with your patients that will help them maintain and improve their health, such as healthy eating and active living, all you want, but if patients do not have access to these resources, they will experience additional barriers preventing them from being empowered to take control of their own health.”

At a Student Research Symposium held via Zoom Friday, Nov. 20, Bell was one of 88 NEOMED students whose work was showcased. Co-presented by NEOMED’s Office of Research and  Sponsored Programs and the Committee for Student Clinical Research, it was the first event of its kind, with its format shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the five sessions, Bell’s was organized into the category of Quality Improvement and Evaluation in the Community in one of three breakout rooms. Like her classmates, she had made a crisp three-minute video describing her research. After the six videos were shown, the student moderator (in this case Meghana Chalasani) fielded questions and answers on the topics, including Bell’s.

What did this research project mean to her? Much more than a collection of data.

Bell reflected in an email, “It was an amazing experience to work with Becky Lehman at the Portage County Health District, Mindy Gusz from University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, and NEOMED mentors Dr. Amy Lee and Kim Trowbridge to help finalize a resource guide for community members, and then distribute this resource guide (started by Master of Public Health students) to primary care provider offices throughout the county. I hope this guide allows providers to feel better equipped to discuss and address social determinants of health with their patients, and most importantly, helps people in Portage County.“

Here’s a link to the Healthy Eating & Activity Living Guide.

And as an example of the practical help offered by the guide, Bell included this screen shot about local farmers markets and the Produce Perks Program, which allows those with SNAP/EBT benefits to get up to a $20 match toward fresh fruits and vegetables.

Tangible results, indeed.