New medical students at Albany Medical College participated in the annual Day of Service, taking part in gardening, cleaning, and painting projects throughout the community. The event is held after orientation and aims to introduce students to social determinants of health and the significance of community-based advocacy.
Students worked with local organizations, food pantries, shelters, and public health initiatives across the Capital Region. Angela Antonikowski, PhD, associate dean of the Division of Community Outreach and Medical Education, said these activities provide insight into the lived experiences of different populations.
“By introducing students to the social determinants of Albany’s health, we help them become physicians who understand that health begins long before a patient enters the clinic—it begins in communities. These activities set the tone for a medical education grounded in empathy, engagement and action,” Antonikowski said.
The Day of Service began in 2010 when a student from Colorado sought to learn more about Albany. It marks the start of a year-long service learning component within the medical school curriculum.
The incoming class arrived on campus during the week of July 21 and received their first white coats on July 25.
