Clinical Outreach: Shaping the Future of Healthcare

At the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, our commitment to community engagement and holistic medical education is making a profound impact on community health. Guided by Dr. Mario Jacomino, Professor of Pediatrics, and Dr. Stacy Rubin, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Foundations of Medicine, our clinical outreach initiatives are shaping the future of healthcare.

Incorporated in our curriculum, students regularly contribute their time to the Caridad Clinic and Mission Medical Center, where they dedicate two half-days per semester to patient care. This commitment translates to approximately 12 patients per week throughout the academic year, offering invaluable hands-on experience and community connections.

Our commitment extends beyond the formal curriculum, exemplified by Dr. Lisa Martinez, Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Director of the Year 3 Curriculum, and Medicine Clerkship Director. Dr. Martinez has been instrumental in mentoring students in various extracurricular efforts that showcase our dedication to community health. One of these initiatives is the Caridad Saturday clinic, where faculty and students collaborate to provide care, exemplifying our commitment to community well-being. We also provide patients with glucose and blood pressure monitors, ensuring they have the essential tools needed to effectively manage their chronic conditions.

But our impact goes even further. Education lies at the heart of our outreach efforts, with student groups actively engaging in informative activities focused on women's health and nutrition. We also extend our support to local children through back-to-school sessions, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed for a healthy start to their academic year.

Our commitment extends to nutrition through Project Grow, our innovative student-led community garden initiative. We are actively cultivating nutritious food to distribute to patients at Caridad, complemented by essential nutritional education. Our clinical outreach efforts are not only expanding healthcare access but also enhancing the well-being of our community in multifaceted ways.