Footnotes - Fall 2023 - 24

Dr. Jenkins then goes on to speak about how happy he is to
introduce his students to Fit Feet in 2009. He says that he
believes it is the students who have an incredible passion for
the cause that make Fit Feet a huge success for the Special
Olympics. He states that he hopes that this passion results in
students continuing to stay involved with Special Olympics
beyond graduation.
Special Olympics Arizona Fit Feet Fall Games 2022!
On top of volunteering, Dr. Jenkins has also been involved
with many research projects with his students, several of
which directly impact the health of those with ID. One of
his most recent projects, that I look forward to participating
in, is an interdisciplinary curriculum that teaches healthprofession
students about the evaluation and care of
patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The
curriculum will have a strong focus on communication skills
and the best approaches to the physical/patient assessment.
Dr. Jenkins with his Global Golisano Health
Leadership Award!
When asked about his passion for Special Olympics and
how he got started, Dr. Jenkins stated that he " initially got
involved due to wanting to help Dr. Fredrick, the clinical
director in Tucson. The passion for the movement came
on gradually. During our training to be clinical directors,
the speakers kept saying once you get involved, you will be
addicted to the joy of working with the athletes as well as the
feeling of helping persons who so needed our support and
tying this into utilizing our medical expertise was a win-win.
Once I was actually involved, all of this became true with
the added bonus of seeing how much you were appreciated
by not just the athletes, but their families and coaches as well.
Another huge spin-off from my involvement has been all
the individuals that I have been able to meet over the years,
especially my fellow global clinic advisors around the world
who have a shared vision and joy for the cause. "
24
Dr. Jenkins also co-founded the American Academy of
Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) club at
Midwestern University, along with Professor Cara Copeland,
D.M.D., Montana Von Musser (podiatry), and Daniel
Duchrow (dentistry) in 2022. He continues to serve as the
faculty mentor. As club president, I have seen the AADMD
club promote inclusivity in all healthcare settings for
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Many of our events are focused on best practices of
communication with these patients as well as opportunities
to interact with Special Olympic athletes through leadership
conferences and one-on-one meet-ups.
As podiatrists, we will see patients from all different
backgrounds. To be the best physician that we can be,
we must never stop learning how to be more inclusive to
everyone. My participation with Special Olympics Arizona
has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my
medical school education thus far. I believe that participating
as a volunteer in the Healthy Athletes Program will play a
significant role in making positive strides toward improving
the care of patients with intellectual disabilities.
FALL 2023
Footnotes - Fall 2023

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