Petra Clark-Dufner ’81 MA is a renowned figure in the healthcare field, dedicating her career to guiding students through rigorous training for city services. Her unique approach to teaching combines humor, encouragement, and quick questions, challenging healthcare professionals to think critically and stay engaged. With her guidance, students are able to make connections between their coursework and real-world applications.
As director of UConn’s Urban Service Track Scholars Program (UST), Clark-Dufner has been instrumental in shaping the program for nearly two decades. Since its inception in 2007, the program has received 17 cohorts of approximately 65 students each, representing various health care disciplines. The overarching goal of the program is to provide affordable, high-quality health care for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Clark-Dufner’s commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals is evident in the diverse learning opportunities she offers to students in the UST program. They engage in retreats, shared reading assignments, interprofessional learning communities, podcasts, and community-based clinical experiences. Through these diverse learning opportunities, students gain valuable insight into health care financing, cultural competency, advocacy, and health promotion. Clark-Dufner emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with community members and patients, teaching her students how to effectively communicate and engage with those they serve.
The impact of Clark-Dufner’s work on the field of health education is profound. She has shaped the future of health care delivery by instilling a deep sense of responsibility and compassion for those in need among her students. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals as they strive to deliver high-quality care to all individuals regardless of their background or circumstances.