Campus Event Invites Community to Learn About PNWU, Introduces Local Kids to the Wonders of Science and Health

A poster has been catching eyes on PNWU’s campus and beyond, inviting local kids and families to explore the health sciences alongside our own multi-talented and inspiring PNWU Student Doctors.

The poster, designed and illustrated by PNWU Student Doctor Jan Jimenez, promotes Mini Med School: a student-led event that invites Yakima to our campus to learn about our programs, meet our inspiring students, and be inspired by the wonders of science and health.

Having employed similarly visually enchanting illustrations in his own published children’s book, which focused on the mechanism of the heart, Student Doctor Jimenez has firsthand insight into the power of art. Driven to continue encouraging kids to explore “the value of wellness and accountability, and to further promote the visibility of pursuing medical careers for people of color,” he decided to lend his artistic talents to spread the word about Mini Med School.

“I hope this event will inspire kids to engage with the health sciences and come away with a possible dream to help their families and their community as a medical professional,” he explained.

Student Dr. Sabrina Do, who helped to coordinate the free event, will greet those visiting families as they arrive, welcoming them to the engaging offerings ahead. Those offerings include a campus scavenger hunt, lessons on using a stethoscope, information on health and the human body and more.

“As future health professionals, we need to know our patients,” explained Student Dr. Sarah May Kamensky (also a member of the Mini Med School student committee). “Events like this give the Yakima community a chance to have a relationship with our school. Someday that trust and rapport will extend to the care we’re able to provide.”

PNWU 2023 Mini Med School committee includes: PNWU Student Doctors Sarah May Kamensky (COM ’25), Sabrina Do (COM ‘25), Paria Karbassi (COM ’25), Rebekah Varjabedian (COM ’25), Jan Jimenez (COM ‘26), and Munif Chowdhury (COM ’26).