Midwestern University Teams Up with the Peoria MET Professional Academy and Special Olympics of Arizona to Provide Physicals for Local Athletes

On September 9, Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus hosted the third annual Special Olympics MedFest event. Faculty, students, and alumni from Midwestern University’s Graduate Nursing Programs, the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Dental Medicine – Arizona, and the Clinical Psychology, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology Programs collaborated with healthcare students from the Peoria Medical Engineering and Technology (MET) Professional Academy to run this program. Together, the volunteers donated 51 physical screenings to special needs athletes from around the Valley. Over the last three years, Midwestern University volunteers have provided approximately 300 physicals to athletes in need through the MedFest outreach program.

Eva Duran, D.N.P., FNP-C, an alumna from the Graduate Nursing Programs, said of the MedFest outreach, “Our medical staff volunteers are passionate about providing compassionate medical care and support to athletes with special needs. As a group, we are thrilled to offer our expertise as dedicated volunteers for the Special Olympics. Together, we ensure the health and safety of these exceptional individuals while promoting inclusivity and empowering them to achieve their sporting dreams.”

In addition to providing physicals to local Special Olympics athletes, the participating healthcare students practiced providing informed, inclusive care to patients with special needs. This year’s event cultivated an environment of mentorship and networking between community members in healthcare professions, Midwestern students and alumni, and MET Professional students. 

Stephanie Herrick Kays, Ed.D., M.S.N., FNP-C, Assistant Professor, Graduate Nursing Programs, served as the medical director for this year’s event. “It was so impactful to see the interprofessional relationships that were developed during this event,” Dr. Herrick Kays said. “We had high school students from the MET Professional Academy networking and collaborating with MWU alumni and students, faculty, and other community members to learn more about the professions they were interested in and receive advice. MedFest allows students to learn more about medical conditions and inclusive care while performing a much-needed service to the community. It has been an honor to lead the MedFest outreaches each year.”