Background: Access to ophthalmic care is a persistent challenge for underserved populations, including refugees, immigrants, and uninsured individuals, leading to untreated ocular conditions that significantly impact quality of life. To address this need, we launched the first student-run ophthalmic screening event in Columbia, Missouri, providing free, comprehensive dilated eye exams and vision screenings. Methods: The location of this one-day screening event was determined by partnership with the University of Missouri’s already-established free student-run community health clinic, MedZou and Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri and use of their space. Patients from the refugee community were identified and registered by Catholic Charities and scheduled into fifteen-minute time slots. Both walk-ins and scheduled appointments were created. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted at the event and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: Among the 52 participants of the study, the majority were refugees referred through Catholic Charities. Regarding ophthalmologic diagnoses, 5 (9.6%) were diagnosed with glaucoma, 3 (5.7%) with cataracts, 7 (13.5%) with hypertensive retinopathy, 28 (53.9%) with refractive errors, and 9 (17.3%) with dry eye syndrome. Notably, 17 participants (32.6%) required follow-up care, which highlights the urgent need for ongoing ophthalmic services. Conclusions: The high rate of refugee participants underscores that these screening events address a significant gap in care for these populations and providing data on the prevalence of ocular health conditions among this cohort. By providing tailored education, referrals to affordable follow-up care, and comprehensive screenings, we demonstrated the feasibility of integrating ophthalmic services into student-run clinics. This initiative offers a replicable model for reducing disparities in eye health, improving early detection of ocular diseases, and promoting equitable access to essential ophthalmic care, and we hope to establish this as an annual clinic event.
Background: Free clinics provide valuable services to underserved communities while offering medical students early clinical exposure. However, limited research exists evaluating the benefit of free clinic participation on clinical skill development from the student perspective. This study aims to assess medical students’ perceptions of how volunteering at a free clinic influences their clinical skill development. Methods: A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed to 68 medical students who had volunteered at St. Matthew’s Free Clinic within the past 18 months. The survey included 11 questions, including 7 Likert-scale items assessing perceived growth in clinical skills (e.g., patient history-taking, physical examination, blood glucose measurement, pharmacology knowledge, clinical note-taking, and overall skill development), as well as perceived coursework sacrifice and enjoyment. Thirty-eight students responded (55% response rate). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression. Results: Volunteers overwhelmingly felt that their free clinic experience contributed positively to the development of their clinical skills. Notably, the difference in ratings between school years for "clinical note taking" was statistically significant, with second-year students scoring higher (9.50 ± 0.86) compared to third- and fourth-year students (7.73 ± 1.75, p = 0.0007). Conclusion: Medical students perceive free clinic participation as beneficial to clinical skill development. Embedding free clinic experiences into the curriculum could strengthen students' foundation of clinical skills prior to their years of clinical training.
Background: Although telemedicine expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital divide remains that may limit the implementation in clinics serving underserved patient populations. To assess barriers to digital health services, this study investigates technological capabilities and access among low-income, uninsured patients at a student-run free clinic (SRFC). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over five weeks among patients at a SRFC. Patients over 18 years old (yo) who provided consent and demonstrated capacity completed a survey assessing demographics, device ownership, Wi-Fi access, technology proficiency, and knowledge of electronic medical records. Patient age groups were compared to matched United States population data. Results: Among 109 patients (mean age 49.7 ± 11.6 years), 93.5% identified as Hispanic/Latino and 82.3% preferred Spanish. Smartphone ownership was high (87.2% vs 90% U.S., p = 0.323), comparable to the US population. However, fewer patients had reliable Wi-Fi access (70.6% vs 95% U.S., p < 0.001) and fewer owned other devices such as computers or tablets (32.1% vs 66% U.S., p < 0.001). While 75.2% reported at least basic proficiency with their devices, only 41.2% knew how to access their records, and just 23.9% had ever been taught how. By age group, smartphone ownership mirrored national rates (p > 0.05). However, only the youngest (18–29 years) and oldest (65+ years) groups had Wi-Fi access comparable to their US counterparts, with middle-aged groups showing lower levels. Conclusion: Despite high smartphone ownership, significant gaps in digital literacy remain in underserved populations. These findings suggest smartphone-based digital health solutions could improve healthcare access, but tailored educational programs are needed to enhance digital literacy and empower patients to use electronic medical records. Future research should explore innovative strategies to reduce digital disparities and improve health outcomes in these communities.
Background: The University of South Alabama Student-Run Free Clinic (USASRFC) provides primary care to uninsured individuals in Mobile, Alabama, through student volunteer collaboration across various undergraduate and graduate disciplines. Following a two-year closure due to COVID-19, the USASRFC reopened in April 2022 and faced the challenge of effectively recruiting and retaining volunteers. This single-center retrospective study evaluates volunteer retention patterns as a prerequisite for sustaining interprofessional training in the post-pandemic era. Methods: Volunteer records and executive board representation from April 2022 to December 2023 were reviewed. Variables included volunteer discipline, academic year, gender, attendance, retention rates, and the impact of discipline-specific liaisons and executive board membership on interprofessional involvement. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and multi-factor ANOVA. Results: Since reopening, the USASRFC has conducted 61 clinic sessions supported by 366 total volunteers, with a volunteer retention rate of 52.5%. The majority of volunteers were medical students (61.0%), followed by undergraduate students (21.2%), and pharmacy students (8.1%). The most significant factor in retention was academic year (p < 2.39 × 10⁻¹⁶). Discipline-specific liaisons significantly increased initial volunteer participation within their discipline (T = 2.36, p = 0.031), but did not affect long-term retention (Chi² = 2.24, p = 0.13). Executive board representation had no significant effect on interprofessional volunteer recruitment or retention. Conclusion: While interprofessional collaboration enhances the services that resource-limited clinics can offer, sustaining engagement remains challenging. Although direct recruitment through disciplinary liaisons can boost initial volunteer recruitment in some disciplines, their effect on retention is limited, underscoring the need for sustainable strategies. The observed low retention rate reflects resource inefficiencies, as high volunteer turnover demands recruitment and training efforts. Future USASRFC interventions should emphasize early-stage student engagement, interprofessional faculty partnerships, and clear recognition of volunteer contributions to maintain a motivated, diverse volunteer base capable of providing broader care than single-disciplinary clinics.
The organization JeffHOPE (Health Opportunities, Prevention, and Education) operates five student run free clinics (SRFCs) in Philadelphia. The organization's goals are threefold: to provide supervised free acute medical care to persons experiencing homelessness, connect patients to the Philadelphia healthcare system, and educate medical students and residents on compassionate and culturally competent care at the intersection between homelessness and healthcare. While many SRFCs around the country have emerged to provide medical care to underserved patients across the United States, something that makes JeffHOPE unique is its educational model. This article describes the development of a longitudinal, interactive educational model implemented by medical students at JeffHOPE. This model has implications beyond informing how medical students operate clinics, giving students tools to provide patient-centered, culturally competent care to vulnerable populations during their training and beyond.
Background: Across the nation, academic medical centers and associated professional schools have established student-run free clinics (SRFCs) aimed at delivering healthcare to underserved populations. Many of these clinics have expanded their services beyond primary care by offering specialty clinics. However, there is limited information available regarding plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) related services within SRFCs. The aim of this study is to identify the presence of PRS services in current SRFCs and highlight barriers and opportunities for plastic surgeons to be involved within SRFCs. Methods: Aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature review was conducted via PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from January 2000 to April 2024. Search terms focused on clinical services that are within the scope of practice of a plastic surgeon. Results: A total of 18 studies where included. Literature addressing PRS in SRFCs is scarce, with only two studies directly examining PRS services in this setting. Shade Tree Clinic in Nashville, Tennessee, is the only SRFC that has shared its experience with incorporating PRS services. This included the management of various hand pathologies, soft tissue masses, and skin cancers. While multiple SRFCs offer dermatological services—primarily focused on identifying and excising skin cancers—plastic surgeons are well-equipped to contribute to these efforts. Additionally, most chairs of plastic surgery departments demonstrated a strong understanding of the local need for these services, though time constraints and financial limitations were cited as significant barriers to their involvement. Conclusion: Currently, there is little evidence of plastic surgeons assisting with SRFC activities. However, incorporating PRS services into SRFCs can significantly enhance healthcare delivery to underserved populations. The Shade Tree Clinic has shown the utility and high-level utilization of plastic surgeons in a SRFC.
Background: Large-scale studies have reinforced our understanding of smoking as the likely single most important modifiable risk factor affecting health and longevity. Although medical students receive instruction on how to navigate lifestyle change conversations with patients, specific education on how to perform smoking cessation counseling is minimal and comes later in their didactic years. Rates of smoking within the general United States population have declined, but smoking rates remain high in patients with comorbid substance use disorder. Our analysis evaluates the implementation of a 15-minute pre-shift training on smoking cessation counseling, for volunteers at a student-run clinic set in a substance use rehabilitation center. Methods: The smoking cessation volunteer training takes place in the 15 minutes preceding the volunteer’s shift. The on-shift leader first facilitates an open discussion on smoking cessation between all volunteers to gauge their level of knowledge and experience with the content. Areas of focus are divided into medical cessation aids and conversational techniques. The leader then guides all volunteers through a review of the information, ensuring they answer all volunteer questions. First-year students are then encouraged to complete an electronic survey sent out via email following their volunteer shift. Results: Between 8/16/2023-10/25/2024, 54 responses were received from approximately 150 eligible volunteers, a response rate of 36%. Of surveyed volunteers, 76% reported having a discussion on smoking cessation during their shift. In response to whether the pre-shift training helped their ability to address this topic with patients, 67% answered “definitely yes”, 24% answered “somewhat yes”, and no students reported the session as unhelpful. Conclusion: Most medical student volunteers at New Orleans Bridge House engage in smoking cessation discussions with a patient during each shift. Nearly every surveyed volunteer believed they benefited from brief pre-shift training and the majority learned about at least one new cessation aid.
Background: Rural communities face significant barriers to dermatologic care, including geographic isolation and financial constraints. These challenges contribute to delayed diagnoses and suboptimal management of skin conditions, exacerbating health disparities. Rural student-run free clinics (SRFCs) provide essential dermatologic services to underserved populations, but limited data exist on the specific dermatologic needs and care barriers faced by these communities. This study aims to assess the dermatologic health needs, care barriers, and healthcare-seeking behaviors of patients attending an SRFC serving a rural population. Methods: An anonymous 19-question survey was distributed via REDCap to individuals aged 18 and older attending a rural SRFC. The survey collected data on demographics, dermatologic conditions, access to care, treatment and prevention strategies, and sources of dermatologic health education. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze trends in dermatologic care access, financial barriers, and information-seeking behaviors. Results: Among 42 participants, 26% were aged 26–35, and 69% identified as female. Acne (38.5%) and eczema (23.1%) were the most commonly reported conditions. Only 60% of those with a diagnosed condition had confirmed access to dermatologic care. Income did not correlate with care access (Spearman r = 0.27, p = 0.189). Geographic barriers persisted, as 50% of respondents were uncertain whether dermatology services were available locally. Younger participants (18–35) primarily relied on internet searches and social media for dermatologic information, while older participants (56+) consulted healthcare providers. Among participants earning $60,000–$90,000, 100% had access to dermatologic care, but 75% had never sought care regularly. Uncertainty about access was highest among lower-income groups. Conclusions: Rural populations experience significant uncertainty about dermatologic care availability, contributing to delayed treatment. Financial barriers and reliance on non-medical information sources hinder effective care utilization. Targeted educational initiatives and improved access strategies, such as SRFCs, can reduce care disparities.
Background: Lifestyle change programs, like the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), are successful at addressing obesity and related comorbidities; however, they are often inaccessible. We describe our experience developing and implementing Healthier Together (HT), a medical student-led condensed adaptation of the DPP designed for low-income adults within Miami. Methods: Participants, both English- and Spanish-speaking, are referred via various community partners to participate in the year-long program. Run by medical students as Lifestyle Coaches (LC), participants attend an initial 1:1 interview with their LC, six, group-based, nutrition and activity sessions, a 1:1 exit interview, followed by one year of monthly phone check-ins. Metrics such as weight, blood pressure, attendance, pre- and post-lesson quiz scores, and four standardized surveys are measured throughout the program. A 22-question Knowledge Attainment Survey measured medical student nutrition knowledge and feelings of self-efficacy with patient interactions gained through leading the program. Results: From 2020-2023, HT has completed five cohorts consisting of 23 1:1 interviews, 17 enrolled individuals, and 17 exit interviews among 45 participant referrals, with 20 additional referrals for future cohorts. The mean attendance rate across was 70%. Overall mean program satisfaction was a 5 ± 0 (1=very dissatisfied, 5=very satisfied) (n=8). Eleven medical students have led the program, with a mean of 14 ± 3 hours of hands-on experience. Medical student Knowledge Attainment mean score increased from 61% to 81%. Conclusions: The implementation of HT demonstrates the feasibility of a medical student adaptation of the DPP for both community members and medical student facilitators.
Background: The Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS) is a medical student-run organization offering free healthcare to underserved patients in Florida via ten annual health fairs and four weekly clinics. The South Dade Health Fair (SDHF) serves a rural, migrant population with poor healthcare access with operations successfully maintained throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the health metric trends of patients attending SDHF before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: De-identified data from three pre-pandemic fairs (2017-2019) and three during-pandemic fairs (2021-2023) was extracted from REDCap and analyzed in SPSS using independent samples t-tests. Key metrics included blood pressure, glucose levels, body mass index, lipid profiles, and T-scores. Results: Over six years, 394 patients received care across 467 encounters (291 pre-pandemic, 176 during-pandemic). Most attendees were females (71.1% pre-pandemic, 65.9% during-pandemic) in their mid-40s. Cohorts were demographically similar except for preferred language and health insurance type. In the during-pandemic cohort, there were significant increases in mean systolic BP (123.5 to 133.4), total cholesterol (176 to 188), LDL (99 to 108), and non-fasting glucose (94.1 to 124.6), and significant decreases in mean HDL (52 to 49) and T-score (0.01 to -0.81).There was a statistically insignificant trend toward an increase in mean BMI between the two cohorts. A sub-analysis of patients who attended both pre-and-during-pandemic fairs yielded similar results. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate statistically significant changes in parameters that portend worse cardiovascular outcomes in the aggregate cohort and amongst repeat patients. These findings suggest a need for interventions to address hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis in this community.
Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic (JVMC) is a student run clinic in Sacramento, California that serves marginalized and often stigmatized patient populations. The reproductive clinic within JVMC set out to provide medication abortion services to provide more equitable reproductive health care to its patients during a time in which these rights are being threatened across the United States. This descriptive report outlines the hurdles and victories in implementing protocols to offer no-cost medication abortions in a low resource setting.
Background: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at The University of South Florida provide pro-bono physical therapy services to the university area’s underserved community. Annual student leadership turnover and weekly rotation of students and clinical preceptors disrupted continuity of care, prompting student leaders to initiate a program improvement effort. Methods: An iterative quality improvement process guided by input from DPT faculty, alumni, and students informed program changes. Anonymous electronic surveys with ordinal-scale and open-ended questions were distributed at three time points to assess participation barriers, care delivery, and the impact of program changes. Survey results guided adjustments to leadership and treatment team structure and communication strategies. Results: In the initial survey, participants reported lack of preparation, unclear expectations, inadequate communication, and inconsistent care continuity were key barriers. In response, leadership and treatment teams were restructured, incorporating a peer-assisted learning model. A follow-up survey showed that 68% of students and 100% of preceptors perceived improved care continuity. Survey responses also noted a continued need to improve goal setting, documentation, and communication. A centralized communication hub and standardized documentation templates were introduced to address these challenges. Final survey results indicated students valued hands-on experience and peer-assisted learning, reporting increased self-confidence and perceived care continuity. Remaining challenges identified by both students and preceptors included goal alignment and treatment team collaboration. Conclusions: Participant survey responses suggest perceived improvements in care quality and operational efficiency following the restructuring. The central insight from this project is that intentionally redefining roles and implementing a peer-assisted learning model across leadership and treatment teams enhanced clarity, collaboration, and student ownership. These findings support the value of peer-assisted learning models in student-run clinics. Ongoing efforts aim to strengthen this model to improve clinic operations while expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and PT services for the underserved populations.
Background: Student-run clinics (SRCs) provide underserved individuals with critical healthcare access. They also enable a service-learning mechanism for students and are instrumental to health equity, social justice, and advocacy efforts. As health system complexity continues to rise, how SRCs are evolving in response to patient care needs remains unclear. This study assesses the status of SRC operations at the national level with regard to which services they provide, as well as what innovations, breakthroughs, and limitations they have experienced. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to registered attendees of the 2023 Society of Student-Run Free Clinics (SSRFC) annual conference who were invited to participate anonymously via survey links provided within SSRFC pre-conference and post-conference email correspondence. Information sheets with the survey QR code were also posted throughout the conference grounds. Additionally, survey participation reminders were sent each day of the conference through the conference app. Results: The survey was distributed to 400 registered conference attendees and 58 responses were received. These 58 responses represented 58 SRCs, 49 institutions, and 24 states. A total of 45 respondents indicated their SRCs primarily served adult patients with a predominance of limited English proficiency amongst SRC patient populations and offered patients indicated screenings, though screening completion rates varied. There were 46 respondents who involved postgraduate trainees within their SRCs with varying specialties represented. Finally, 23 SRCs responded that at least half of their patients needed referrals to other specialties, and only 13 SRCs noted that at least half of referrals made were successfully completed. Conclusion: This study provides a vital update in the status of SRCs across the United States, including their current resources, challenges, and potential opportunities for growth. SRCs will continue to play a critical role in caring for society’s underserved and uninsured until a definitive and sustainable solution can be identified.
The Columbus Free Clinic (CFC), located in Columbus, Ohio (OH), is the largest interprofessional, student-run free clinic that provides medical and social services to underinsured individuals in OH. Despite the provision of in-house gynecologic services, only 20% of eligible patients had a recently documented cervical cancer screening, and only 1% had received a mammogram in the past 24 months. To address this need, two screening events providing cervical Pap tests, breast exams, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and cholesterol screenings were held. The two screening events utilized different protocols to test the optimal operation of a large-scale gynecological screening event. Both events are described and compared to inform the development of similar initiatives at other free clinics nationwide. Outreach from the clinic was cited as a primary motivation for obtaining a Pap test amongst 60% of patients, and 89.5% of respondents said they would be “very likely to return” to CFC for future screenings. Student volunteers had increased knowledge of Pap tests and breast exams following these interventions. Screening events such as those outlined in this paper may help reduce the burden of breast and cervical cancer among underserved and under-insured patients at student-run-free clinics. They should be implemented in clinics with large populations with unmet screening needs.
Background: High blood pressure affects approximately 25% of the Canadian population and is implicated in a number of poor health outcomes. According to the 2020 Hypertension Canada Guidelines, for both the prevention and management of hypertension, health behaviour interventions can effectively lower blood pressure. Health literacy is recognized as a significant social determinant of health. Low health literacy is associated with adverse health behaviours and poor subjective health. This study aims to assess whether student-led blood pressure clinics can improve the blood pressure related health literacy of adults in Northern Ontario. Methods: Blood pressure clinics were held at four different publicly accessible sites in Thunder Bay, ON. 110 participants were presented with a survey before and after their participation in an educational intervention centred on hypertension. Pre- and post-test scores were compared and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess for relationships between scores and sociodemographics. Results: A significant increase in post-test scores across all domains was observed. Linear regression analyses revealed that income and previous diagnosis of hypertension were significant predictors of pre-test performance, income and education level were significant predictors of post-test performance, and education was a significant predictor of percent score improvement. Conclusions: This study highlights the effectiveness of a student-led educational intervention designed to improve hypertension health literacy among community members in Thunder Bay, ON. The findings suggest that structured, student-led education can enhance blood pressure related knowledge and may encourage hypertension prevention and/or more effective blood pressure management. This pop-up clinic model offers a scalable framework for other student-run free clinics to adopt, providing them with a practical approach to addressing hypertension-related health literacy disparities in their own communities.
Background: Street Health is a student-run free clinic with the goal of serving people experiencing homelessness in Norfolk, Virginia and the surrounding area. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess the demographics, common medical conditions, and treatments provided to Street Health patients during the clinic’s first 15 months. Methods: Data was collected from the 136 patients seen at Street Health from 1/1/2019 to 3/15/2020 which included demographic information, vital signs, labs, reason for visit, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Results: The median age was 52 years and 70.5% of patients were male. The majority of patients were African American (71.5%) and many were uninsured (33.7%). The most common conditions that patients presented with were categorized as: musculoskeletal (47.4%), cardiovascular (19.8%), and skin (18.1%). Although 55 patients reported having a chronic medical condition, oftentimes, the primary reason for visit was for acute symptoms such as joint pain or skin lesions. Of the 55 patients who reported having a chronic medical condition, 18 of those were psychiatric. Conclusion: By understanding what clinical conditions our patients are most in need of treatment for, Street Health hopes to provide targeted care and implement interventions specific to the needs of our population. This study highlights the need to treat the acute concerns that homeless patients seek care for in addition to thoroughly assessing for underlying chronic conditions. To adequately care for chronic conditions in the homeless population, Street Health must foster trust among its patients, and partnerships must be formed to provide longitudinal care.
Introduction: Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality1 that disproportionately impacts uninsured populations. University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine students instituted weekly blood pressure (BP) screenings at The Banquet, a nonprofit, free meal service. Despite hypertensive measurements, Banquet guests rarely follow-up with a primary care provider (PCP). In this study, we discuss the dual establishment of a referral system in collaboration with The Banquet to the Coyote Clinic, a student-run free clinic, and installment of an outreach program. Methods: Medical students performed weekly BP screenings during Banquet mealtimes from August 2021 through December 2022. Basic patient information and BP readings were recorded. Eligible, uninsured patients without PCPs were referred to the Coyote Clinic. Patients were provided educational materials on hypertension and accessing the clinic. Volunteers completed pre- and post-surveys surrounding one year of service assessing comfort level counseling guests, hypertension understanding, and program perception. Results: Ninety-six BP readings were recorded from 85 guests, with an average BP of 132/83 mmHg, and 63 guests meeting criteria for Stage 1 hypertension or higher. Forty-two guests were without health insurance and 47 guests without a PCP. Findings revealed 28 hypertensive guests were eligible for referral, with 4 guests agreeing to referral. Another 4 eligible guests agreed to referral for a different ailment. Volunteers reported increased comfort counseling patients and greater understanding of the barriers face by uninsured persons after volunteering. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that such a referral infrastructure can successfully connect hypertensive patients to a student-run free clinic with the potential to provide significant benefit to patients, otherwise lacking care, for a low cost in time and resources. Future directions include tracking the number of patients who attend their referral appointment and receive medical treatment, integrating additional preventive health screenings, and involving more organizations affiliated with the target population.
Background: The Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic (LFMC) provides healthcare to uninsured and underinsured patients in Buffalo, New York. Volunteer teams consisting of medical students, residents, and attending physicians run the clinic, which operates every Friday from 5-9 PM. Recruiting upperclassmen volunteers can be challenging due to demanding clinical requirements. Currently, students do not receive recognition for volunteering. To address this, we introduced a recognition program for upperclassmen who volunteer five or more times in an academic year. Up to five students receive a Lighthouse Distinguished Service Award and are recognized during the annual fundraising gala. Methods: Frequency of clinic volunteers were documented from June 2022 to June 2024. To determine a reasonable volunteer target, we reviewed data from June 2022 to June 2023, finding that 16 students volunteered three times, 8 volunteered four times, and 2 volunteered five or more times. Consequently, we believed that given the added incentive of the Lighthouse Distinguished Service Award, five or more times was a reasonable target for the designation. Results: Following the introduction of the award in June 2023, 8 students volunteered three times, 10 volunteered four times, and 16 volunteered five or more times—compared to only 2 students reaching the five-shift threshold in the previous year (p < .001). The total number of shifts covered over the academic year also increased from 242 to 332, corresponding to a significant rise in the average number of shifts per student, from 1.57 to 2.37 (p < .01). Conclusion: This initiative successfully increased volunteer continuity at the LFMC and offers a framework for other organizations to assess and improve volunteer retention in their own clinics.
Background: Food insecurity has profound implications for health outcomes and can exacerbate health disparities in vulnerable communities. VeggieRx is a fruit and vegetable produce prescription program implemented by the Homeless and Indigent Population Health Outreach Project’s Promise Clinic (PC), a student-run free clinic for the uninsured, with the goal of increasing access to fresh produce in this population. Methods: PC patients were enrolled in VeggieRx by volunteer Student Doctor teams and completed an intake survey. During the VeggieRx season, participants received up to four $30 to $60 prescription vouchers redeemable for fresh produce at the local farmer’s market. Post-surveys administered at the conclusion of the season assessed preliminary outcomes and areas for program improvement. We use descriptive statistics to describe survey responses of VeggieRx participants enrolled over three recent seasons (2021-2023), assessing baseline diet perceptions, program utilization, and self-reported diet outcomes. Results: Of all established PC patients, Student Doctor teams enrolled a total of 50 participants in the 2021-2023 VeggieRx seasons. Nearly half of patients reported not eating enough fruits and vegetables at 42%, with 58% of participants reporting affordability as a barrier to access and 22% reporting limited availability nearby. After VeggieRx, 61.9% of participants reported improvement in their fresh produce consumption, with 19.0% eating "a lot more" and 42.9% eating "somewhat more." Consecutive seasons had an increase in returning users, where nearly 41% of VeggieRx 2023 users had been enrolled in a previous season. Conclusion: Veggie Rx provided PC patients with increased access and affordability to fresh produce, demonstrating the feasibility of implementing produce prescription programs in student-run free clinics. This innovative care model integrates medical education with the ability to address food insecurity in diverse populations and form long-lasting relationships with community health partners. Future efforts will be aimed at increasing program accessibility and expanding its reach.
Noor Community Clinic (NCC) in Columbus, Ohio, is a free healthcare clinic run by medical students emphasizing care for underserved and uninsured Muslim patients. Recognizing a lack of focused care for Muslim women, NCC established a Women’s Health Clinic (WHC) in 2022 to provide educational pamphlets and medical services, including preventative care with pap smears and breast exams. This descriptive report analyzes important considerations when working with Muslim-predominant women and the primary concerns and services provided at the WHC. In 2022, the WHC provided care for 37 female patients aged 18 and older, with 83.5% preferring a language other than English. Common complaints included menstrual irregularity, vaginal pain, abnormal discharge, and non-Obstetrics and Gynecologic concerns. Despite the small sample size, the expansion of women's health services benefitted Muslim female patients of NCC. Future directions include expanding providers and services, increasing patient numbers, and evaluating patient satisfaction and needs.
