The UHP Academic Skills Specialist located at the UIC College of Medicine in Chicago site manages the Urban Health Program activities for current medical students. The professional Academic Skills Specialist in Chicago, Kelly-Ann Vassell, MEd, is available five days per week and directs the Medical Student Academic Support Program which provides individual academic skills assessments, study skills resources and group programs to any students or residents who are interested in enhancing their success. The Academic Skills Specialist assists students with career planning, time management, academic support, development of test-taking skills, identification of mentors, and cultural competence programming for medical students. In addition, the Academic Skills Office coordinates many student social events, helps advise student organizations, and plans UHP medical student orientation. Textbooks, review books, study guides and other resources may be borrowed from the office. A computer and LCD projector are available for student use. UIC-COM UHP hires Peer Educators who work with the current medical students. Additionally, the Chicago Academic Skills Specialist works with medical students groups to provide community outreach (i.e. health fairs, etc.)

The Chicago Academic Skills Specialist serves approximately 200 medical students annually.

Princess L. J. Currence, MSW, Director of UICCOM-UHP

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
1819 West Polk Street, 145 CMW
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone:  312-996-6491 or 312-996-3548 (fax)

Email: currence@uic.edu

Yolanda Campbell, Assistant Director for Outreach and Recruitment

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
1819 West Polk Street, 145 CMW
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone:  312-996-7166 or 312-996-3548 (fax)
Email:  YCAMP@uic.edu