Purpose
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso - Health Education and Awareness Team (EP-HEAT®) partnered with a mobile skin cancer screening unit, “The Sun Bus,” and local dermatologists to train medical students in performing skin cancer screenings and recognizing skin abnormalities in a border population.

Methods
Medical students participated in a comprehensive training program designed to introduce them to dermatology as a career pathway and the fundamental principles of skin cancer screening. The training included didactic sessions from dermatologists, practical demonstrations, and hands-on experience during a free community skin cancer screening event facilitated by “The Sun Bus.” Pre- and post-event surveys were administered to evaluate student motivations, the effectiveness of the training, and the achievement of learning objectives. The learning objectives were: Evaluate the motivations of medical students for attending the event. Assess students' perceived understanding of the information provided during the event. Examine changes in students' knowledge and perspectives on dermatology and skin cancer prevention as a result of participating in the event.

Results
The pre-event survey revealed that most students lacked a sufficient background in dermatology and expressed low confidence in their ability to screen for skin cancer. Post-event survey responses indicated significant improvements in students’ confidence and capability to perform skin cancer screenings and identify suspicious lesions. The event provided students with foundational knowledge in dermatology and underscored the importance of early detection and community-based preventive care.

Conclusion
This initiative effectively enhanced medical students’ understanding and skills in skin cancer screening while fostering interest in dermatology and community health. The program demonstrates the value of integrating experiential learning opportunities into medical education, particularly in underserved regions. Expanding similar initiatives could further strengthen the preparedness of medical students to address the dermatological needs of diverse populations.