NEOMED’s OutReach student organization works hand-in-hand with the SOAR Student-Run Free Clinic to increase access to health care among the underserved in communities near campus.
College of Medicine students Katherine Wu, Pallavi Lanka, and Whitney Stolnicki (pictured at center in red), tell us about the student organization.
How does OutReach help those in need – and let people know that help is available?
A: Our organization partners with the SOAR Student-run Free Clinic to organize volunteers for clinic days, and to spread information about our services.
The SOAR Clinic provides holistic care for underinsured and uninsured patients in nearby communities. Together with SOAR, OutReach provides everything from educational classes, discussions, and social support to preventative services and health services.
To let new populations know about these services, OutReach members volunteer at nearby health fairs and free clinics, such as the Hartville Migrant Clinic, Remote Area Medical Free Clinic, St. Bernard Health Fair and NEOMED’s Body and Beyond Health Fair.
In addition, OutReach meets with leaders from surrounding businesses and city governments for our Community Advisory Board to discuss how we can expand our reach.
OutReach also hosts two large charity events each year: Casino Night and the SOAR Student-run Free Clinic Golf Outing. OutReach members plan and coordinate all aspects of these events, providing additional leadership and teamwork experiences.
How can students make a difference by joining OutReach?
A: OutReach provides opportunities for both medical and pharmacy students of all years to volunteer at the SOAR Clinic. By volunteering, students are not only able to foster their communication and examination skills with a medical team and patients, but also contribute to the well-being of Northeast Ohio. At the SOAR Clinic, first- and second-year students are immersed into some of their first clinical experiences, whereas third- and fourth-year students, along with certified physicians and pharmacists, serve as mentors.
Students learn to work as interprofessional teams of physicians and pharmacists, which benefits both them and the patients.