SPARX

Student Providers Aspiring to Rural eXperiences (SPARX) began at the University of Wyoming in the fall of 2002 and was modeled after a similar program at the University of Washington. SPARX is sponsored by the Division of Medical Education and Wyoming Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

The University of Wyoming SPARX Program has developed into two one-credit classes: an upper division research-based class and a lower-division introduction class. These classes cut across educational disciplines and draw students University-wide with health career interests. Students seeking a Minor in health Sciences are required to complete three SPARX credits. This requirement is outlined on the Minor in Health Sciences web site: http://www.uwyo.edu/hs/divisions-and-programs/minor-in-health-sciences.html

The fall semester SPARX class is for upper-division and professional students. The topics varies between Medical Errors (offered in odd number years), and Health Literacy (offered in even number years). Both topics use IOM reports as a basis for the class.

The Spring SPARX class is designed to appeal to freshmen and sophomores. The focus changes every year, but alternative components of health care is presented in the class. Past class titles include: Animal-Assisted Therapy, Music Therapy, Fictional Portrayals of Alzheimer's Disease, Doctors as Fiction Writers, and Psycho-Social Aspects of Addictions. 

Want to add a little SPARX to your health care education? Contact Kelly Hubbell, Wyoming AHEC, 307-766-2470, khubbell@uwyo.edu.