Since 2001, the University of Missouri Heyssel Senior Teacher Educator Partnership (STEP) has connected older members of our community with first-year medical students to help students learn firsthand about the needs of older adults. We recognize that future therapeutic relationships will be built on acceptance, trust, mutual understanding, and effective communication.
What started as a small group of participants has continued to grow. With the rising participant numbers, associated costs have increased, and the program needs financial support. STEP has touched the lives of so many--your gift will help students better understand life, loss, function, disability, and growth from their experienced senior STEP partners. Seniors learn about health care issues from experienced MU faculty and what it's like to be a medical student from their junior partners.