What began as a classroom assignment at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health has grown into a program supporting women undergoing gynecologic cancer treatment.
Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) sophomore May Coffman helped bring the Magee Beauty Clinic at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital to life by building on a concept she developed as part of her BSPH coursework. Held in June, the clinic brought together volunteers and beauty professionals to provide free beauty services, support and a welcoming community for more than 30 women receiving treatment for gynecologic cancers.
As part of the Fundamentals of Public Health course, BSPH students participate in a Hackathon that challenges them to develop innovative solutions to real-world public health problems. Coffman's team proposed an event that would help people living with chronic diseases feel beautiful and empowered. Rather than letting the concept end with the course, Coffman continued developing it after connecting with Amy Baker, MSN, RN, OCN, nurse coordinator in gynecologic oncology at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
"One of the goals of the Hackathon is to help students see that public health isn't just something you study in the classroom—it's something you can put into practice," said Mara Leff Koperwas, MPH, Coffman’s instructor and director of undergraduate curriculum. "May took an idea developed in class and turned it into something that makes a real difference in people's lives. That's exactly the kind of impact we hope to inspire."
"The goal was really to celebrate these patients and make it a day where they could feel beautiful and feel special," Coffman said. "I think that's something that often gets left behind, and we need to do better at making sure we're providing well-rounded care."
Patients attending the clinic spent time with others navigating similar experiences while receiving makeup consultations, hairstyling, nail services, wig consultations and professional portraits.
For Coffman, one of the most meaningful aspects of the day was seeing the connections that formed among patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.
"I had some really amazing conversations with them about how they've been feeling," she said. "It was a day for them to socialize, meet other people and really be celebrated."
Baker praised Coffman's leadership in an email to Pitt Public Health Dean Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH, and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Ada Youk, PhD.
"May is truly among the top 1% of students that I have worked with in my career," Baker wrote. "She took the initiative to meet with our department leaders, marketing and PR team, and vendors and helped us conceive a fantastic, top-notch event."
The experience also helped shape Coffman's future. She is now working with the Magee team on research related to the clinic and pursuing institutional review board approval for a study evaluating its impact.
"It really solidified that I want to continue in public health," Coffman said. "It showed me how valuable research can be and that you really can make a difference."
Organizers hope to make the Beauty Clinic a recurring event, expanding support for women throughout their cancer journeys.
-Clare Collins
