Alumnus returns to lead NEOMED Free Clinic
Mark Arredondo, M.D., graduated from the College of Medicine in 2007 but has stayed part of the NEOMED community with various roles over the years. He now serves as the medical director for the University’s award-winning NEOMED Free Clinic, which provides primary care services to individuals in the community at no cost. Dr. Arredondo spoke with The Pulse about his new role, and why he finds working with NEOMED students so rewarding.
What was your inspiration to go into medicine?
I grew up overseas because of my dad’s career as a United States diplomat and I saw tremendous poverty and lack of resources first-hand which led to my passion to help the most medically underserved. I was able to put this into practice as a medical student at NEOMED by volunteering at several free clinics for migrant farmers and I have continued working with the medically underserved since that time.
You have held many roles with the University going back to your days as a student. What do you enjoy about being part of the NEOMED community?
I thoroughly enjoy connecting with, mentoring and teaching our amazing students! I love sharing not only my excitement about the wonders of the field of medicine but, more importantly, the deep and personal impact we can have on the lives of our patients, neighbors and communities.
In addition, I have been delighted to discover colleagues and friends among the administration, faculty and staff. Without exception, I have found them to have hearts of service, to be hard-working and to exemplify professionalism. They have been generous of their time and willingness to collaborate, and I am grateful to work alongside them in our shared mission of creating transformational leaders.
What are your main roles and responsibilities with the NEOMED Free Clinic?
As the medical director of the NEOMED Free Clinic, I work collaboratively with the student executive board to meet our mission, which is to provide free, compassionate, equitable and high-quality primary care that improves health outcomes through current evidence-based standards for medically underserved individuals in Portage County and surrounding communities.
How do students benefit from volunteering with the NEOMED Free Clinic?
The NEOMED Free Clinic is an amazing interprofessional opportunity where students from all the Colleges at NEOMED can learn from each other and advance their education in a practical real-world environment. Through serving others, they naturally develop character traits and skills such as professionalism, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, conflict management, respect, and genuine empathy for others.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I love to help my students discover the wonders of learning, get to that “Aha!” moment, and watch them become as excited as I am about the privilege of being a physician!
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The NEOMED Free Clinic will provide sports and work physicals during the Portage County Health Department health fair on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to noon. Student volunteers will also provide blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C screenings.