Sarah A. Imam

Bridging Healing and Humanity: A Community Medical Camp as an Expression of Medical Humanities

Sarah A. Imam

The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina

imams1@citadel.edu

Medical and health humanities explore the human experience of health and illness, focusing on healthcare's social, cultural, ethical, and emotional dimensions. For future healthcare providers, incorporating the humanities in medical education will enhance an understanding of patients' experiences, improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, and foster empathy and ethical reflection in medical practice. Addressing healthcare issues globally is important for all entities, and global health security impacts countries of all income levels. The patient populations in underserved areas of the United States face the same challenges as those in low and middle-income countries (LMICs): high financial costs, limited access to healthcare, provider shortages, transportation limitations, and limited health education. An understanding of global health inequities begins with education at a foundational level. Developing programs to train students to understand disparities in healthcare, both globally and domestically, will allow the development of healthcare professionals who can incorporate their awareness into practice. A free medical camp can be viewed as a vital expression of medical humanities, embodying compassion, community care, and holistic well-being. These camps often serve underserved populations, providing medical services and a sense of dignity and hope. The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is unique in health professions development and healthcare education. The Citadel is the only higher education institute with its own medical camp in Kenya. It does not join another medical entity; The Citadel designed and executed the medical camp entirely. The Citadel Medical Camp is Nairobi's largest free primary care health provider, serving underserved communities. In 2024, 10,906 patients were served in three weeks, over 100,000 medications were prescribed, and the medical team serving in the camp included 125+ local medical professionals and operations staff. The Citadel team included 25 students pursuing health careers in medicine, dentistry, PT, PA, nursing, and certified EMTs. The medical camp provided a temporary space as a haven for health and care.

BIOGRAPHY

Major Sarah A. Imam, MD, is an academic and clinician with a neurosciences and humanitarian medical care background. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Health Sciences at The Citadel, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses while mentoring students in health careers. Dr. Imam is also the President of The Medical University of South Carolina Women's Club and serves on the Executive Board of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP), where she co-chairs Program Development & Leadership. She is an advisor for The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC.) Dr. Imam actively contributes to community service by directing a medical camp that has served over 20,000 patients in underserved areas of Nairobi, Kenya, in the past three years. She has founded a pre-health advising tool and collaborates on glioblastoma research, demonstrating her commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care. Recognized for her significant contributions, Dr. Imam has received several awards, including the National Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and the Community-Engaged Faculty Award. In 2024, she was honored as The Southern Conference Faculty of the Year. Her passion for mentorship and community health exemplifies the integration of medical practice and the humanities.