Since opening in September 2016, a new free clinic run by an interprofessional team of NEOMED medicine and pharmacy students has helped an ever-growing number of grateful patients who would not otherwise be able to access health care. To support this successful community initiative, the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation has awarded a $24,993 grant to the Student Outreach to the Area Residents Student Run Free Clinic (SOAR SRFC).
John Boltri, M.D., chair of the Family and Community Medicine Department at NEOMED, serves as the medical director of the clinic, which serves uninsured and underinsured citizens of Northeast Ohio (primarily Portage County) on selected Saturdays. Students provide primary care, basic lab testing, prescriptions and medication therapy management, as well as education services to help people manage chronic disease. The free clinic operates out of professional office space in the NEOMED Education and Wellness (NEW) Center.
Student Kathleen Fay, a third-year College of Medicine student, said that participating in the clinic has solidified her plan to pursue primary care as a career. “I like that we’re helping the community, and it’s an amazing opportunity for students to learn to do everything behind the scenes that needs to be done at a clinic,’’ she said.
Photo caption: Students Pallavi Sharma, Ariana Ellis and Kathleen Fay with John Boltri, M.D., holding the plaque announcing the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation award.