Medical students share health info at Youngstown festival

On July 24 and 25, the NEOMED Italian Medical Association of America (IMAA) and Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) participated in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival in Youngstown, Ohio. Second-year medical students Julie Centofanti and Antonio Nestico provided health information regarding diseases common in Italian populations, including heart disease, hypertension, beta-thalassemia and Celiac disease. Information on the NEOMED Free Clinic was also distributed at this event.

Centofanti shared, "This was a wonderful opportunity to connect with Italian-American populations in Youngstown. This experience helped to educate the community on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by emphasizing the importance of exercise, as well as a healthy diet. It was inspiring to see the interest within the community, asking questions and discussing goals that they implement for themselves and their family members."

In addition to sharing health information, the students did a bit of promotion for the University as well. "Students from Youngstown State University interested in matriculating to Northeast Ohio Medical University, and YSU President Bill Johnson and First Lady LeeAnn Johnson visited our table," said Centofanti.

We would like to thank the Our Lady of Mount Carmel team for welcoming NEOMED to this year’s Italian Festival!

- submitted by Julie Centofanti