Tufts PA Student Combines Advocacy and Education to Promote Health Equity and Systemic Change

October 4, 2024

Yoolim Jung, PA26, shares her journey of advocating for health equity and education, highlighting her experiences, the Future Educator Fellowship, and her commitment to addressing systemic racism in healthcare.

We recently sat down with Yoolim Jung, PA26, who has been awarded the Future Educator Fellowship by the Physician Assistant Education Association. In our conversation, we explored this significant achievement and learned about what motivated Jung to pursue a career as a physician assistant, as well as the inspirations behind her application for the fellowship. Her story reflects a deep commitment to health equity and a passion for educating future providers.

Dismantling barriers through personal experience

Inspired by her personal encounters with health inequities, Jung chose to pursue a career as a PA to help dismantle barriers to social and economic resources.

“A confluence of my life experiences has influenced me to participate in healthcare and continue advocacy with the goal of promoting well-being and dignity. Having seen how health inequities affect one’s outcomes, I was inspired to act by becoming a PA. To accomplish health equity, barriers to social and economic resources must be eliminated, and harms perpetuated by various forms of oppression must be reduced. I believe PAs play a vital role in this effort as they embody a unique combination of medical knowledge, policy advocacy, and compassionate care.”

Engagement beyond the classroom

In her journey so far, Jung has actively engaged both in and out of the classroom. She serves as a class liaison and mentors pre-PA students, while also holding the position of Treasurer for the Tufts University Physician Assistant Student Society. Additionally, she participates in initiatives such as the HEART at Head Start Study, which explores the intersection of nutrition and health outcomes. As the PA liaison for the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, she contributes to vital community efforts. Jung is also proud to support creative outlets for health and healing as a member of the heART club.

“Through all these experiences, I continue to deepen my understanding of the PA profession and refine my approach to advocacy. My goal is to bring all these facets together—medical knowledge, community service, and leadership—so I can help reduce health disparities and provide compassionate, equitable care to those who need it most.”

PAEA Future Educator Fellowship—a step toward bridging advocacy and education

Jung’s passion for education and community building recently led her to apply for the PAEA Future Educator Fellowship, a program designed to develop future leaders in PA education. Encouraged by her mentor, Professor Beth Buyea, Jung sees this fellowship as an opportunity to integrate her advocacy work with her commitment to fostering diversity in healthcare.

“As someone passionate about education and advocacy, the fellowship is an opportunity to network and grow in ways that will help me contribute to the healthcare field beyond clinical practice. I intend to bring what I learn into my career as a PA, where I hope to influence healthcare practices and policy in a way that promotes equity and improves patient outcomes. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to further develop the skills I have cultivated over the years and will equip me with the tools to mentor future PAs, contribute to curriculum design, and advance education initiatives within the PA profession. I believe the experience will help me become a well-rounded PA, not only as a provider but also as an educator and leader within the medical community.”

Addressing systemic racism in PA education

Her dedication to addressing systemic racism in healthcare is evident in her recent article, “Enhancing the Integration of Race and Health Discussion in Physician Assistant Curriculum,” published in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education. Drawing from her experiences as a public health data analyst during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jung emphasizes the importance of integrating discussions on race and health into PA curricula.

“In my article, I emphasize the importance of educating future healthcare providers about the historical and ongoing effects of systemic racism on public health. I hope readers will recognize the need to address these issues within PA education to foster culturally competent care. My suggestions, such as workshops on race and health and role-playing exercises, aim to encourage PA educators to create space and encourage students to engage in difficult but necessary conversations about bias, racism, and health equity. I hope they see the importance of integrating these discussions into PA programs to prepare future providers to better serve marginalized communities.”

Wisdom for future providers: Embracing opportunities for growth

As she continues her PA education, Jung offers advice to prospective and current students:

“The PA journey is undoubtedly challenging and rigorous, but I believe excelling as a future provider requires more than just strong academic performance. It’s essential to cultivate a well-rounded experience that enhances both technical skills and personal growth. This mindset will not only enrich one’s PA journey, but also better prepare them to offer compassionate, comprehensive care in their future practice. I encourage students to explore their creativity, seek diverse learning experiences, and actively engage with peers, faculty, and the broader healthcare community. At Tufts, I have found this to be especially achievable, thanks to the supportive environment that has nurtured both my learning and passion.”

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