Students in the community: an interprofessional student-run free clinic

J Interprof Care. 2006 Jun;20(3):254-9. doi: 10.1080/13561820600721091.

Abstract

Students in the Community (SITC) is an interprofessional collaboration of health science students at the University of Washington. SITC runs a weekly free clinic at the Aloha Inn, a transitional housing facility for 70 homeless men and women in downtown Seattle. The focus of this clinic is on health education, chronic disease management, and re-integration of patients into the healthcare infrastructure. SITC serves as a valuable service learning opportunity for students. In addition to direct clinical services, students gain experience in planning health education strategies, community collaboration, and evaluating intervention outcomes. SITC also oversees a lecture and discussion-based elective course at the University of Washington focused on health issues of the homeless community and provides formal teaching which complements the service-learning component of the endeavor.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care Facilities / organization & administration*
  • Community Health Services
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations*
  • Medically Underserved Area
  • Students, Medical*
  • Washington