Journal of Student-Run Clinics

Health Trends of a Medically Underserved Population Attending an Annual Community Health Fair Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

2026-02-04T18:11:11-06:00

Background: The Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (DOCS) is a medical student-run organization offering free healthcare to underserved patients in Florida via ten annual health fairs and four weekly clinics. The South Dade Health Fair (SDHF) serves a rural, migrant population with limited access to healthcare. This study analyzes the health metric trends of patients attending SDHF before and during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, offering insight into strategies to improve future interventions.

Methods: SDHF was redesigned to maintain operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. De-identified data from three pre-pandemic fairs (2017-2019) and three during-pandemic fairs (2021-2023) were extracted from REDCap and analyzed in SPSS using independent samples t-tests (p<0.05). Key metrics included blood pressure (BP), glucose levels, body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, and T-scores.

Results: Over six years, 394 patients received care across 467 encounters (291 pre-pandemic, 176 during-pandemic). Most attendees were females (71.1% pre-pandemic, 65.9% during-pandemic). Cohorts were demographically similar except for preferred language and health insurance type. In the during-pandemic cohort, there were significant increases in mean systolic BP (123.5 to 133.4), total cholesterol (176 to 188), low-density lipoprotein (99 to 108), and non-fasting glucose (94.1 to 124.6), and significant decreases in mean high-density lipoprotein (52 to 49) and T-score (0.01 to -0.81). There was a statistically insignificant trend toward an increase in mean BMI between the two cohorts. A sub-analysis of patients who attended pre- and during-pandemic fairs yielded similar results.

Conclusions: We successfully organized three student-run health fairs during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring patient safety and high-quality health care delivery. Data demonstrate statistically significant changes in parameters that portend worse cardiovascular outcomes in the aggregate cohort and amongst repeat patients. These findings suggest a need for interventions to address hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis in this community.

Student-Led Blood Pressure Clinics: A Community-Level Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Health Literacy among Adults Living in Northern Ontario

2026-02-25T17:53:47-06:00

Background: High blood pressure affects approximately 25% of the Canadian population and is implicated in a number of poor health outcomes. According to the 2020 Hypertension Canada Guidelines, for both the prevention and management of hypertension, health behaviour interventions can effectively lower blood pressure. Health literacy is recognized as a significant social determinant of health. Low health literacy is associated with adverse health behaviours and poor subjective health. This study aims to assess whether student-led blood pressure clinics can improve the blood pressure related health literacy of adults in Northern Ontario.

Methods: Blood pressure clinics were held at four different publicly accessible sites in Thunder Bay, ON. 110 participants were presented with a survey before and after their participation in an educational intervention centred on hypertension. Pre- and post-test scores were compared and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess for relationships between scores and sociodemographics.

Results: A significant increase in post-test scores across all domains was observed. Linear regression analyses revealed that income and previous diagnosis of hypertension were significant predictors of pre-test performance, income and education level were significant predictors of post-test performance, and education was a significant predictor of percent score improvement.

Conclusions: This study highlights the effectiveness of a student-led educational intervention designed to improve hypertension health literacy among community members in Thunder Bay, ON. The findings suggest that structured, student-led education can enhance blood pressure related knowledge and may encourage hypertension prevention and/or more effective blood pressure management. This pop-up clinic model offers a scalable framework for other student-run free clinics to adopt, providing them with a practical approach to addressing hypertension-related health literacy disparities in their own communities.

Volunteer Acquisition And Retention At A Student-Run Free Clinic

2026-05-03T17:46:10-05:00

Background: The University of South Alabama Student-Run Free Clinic (USASRFC) provides primary care to uninsured individuals in Mobile, Alabama, through student volunteer collaboration across various undergraduate and graduate disciplines. Following a two-year closure due to COVID-19, the USASRFC reopened in April 2022 and faced the challenge of effectively recruiting and retaining volunteers. This single-center retrospective study evaluates volunteer retention patterns as a prerequisite for sustaining interprofessional training in the post-pandemic era.

Methods: Volunteer records and executive board representation from April 2022 to December 2023 were reviewed. Variables included volunteer discipline, academic year, gender, attendance, retention rates, and the impact of discipline-specific liaisons and executive board membership on interprofessional involvement. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and multi-factor ANOVA.

Results: Since reopening, the USASRFC has conducted 61 clinic sessions supported by 366 total volunteers, with a volunteer retention rate of 52.5%. The majority of volunteers were medical students (61.0%), followed by undergraduate students (21.2%), and pharmacy students (8.1%). The most significant factor in retention was academic year (p < 2.39 × 10⁻¹⁶). Discipline-specific liaisons significantly increased initial volunteer participation within their discipline (T = 2.36, p = 0.031), but did not affect long-term retention (Chi² = 2.24, p = 0.13). Executive board representation had no significant effect on interprofessional volunteer recruitment or retention.

Conclusion: While interprofessional collaboration enhances the services that resource-limited clinics can offer, sustaining engagement remains challenging. Although direct recruitment through disciplinary liaisons can boost initial volunteer recruitment in some disciplines, their effect on retention is limited, underscoring the need for sustainable strategies. The observed low retention rate reflects resource inefficiencies, as high volunteer turnover demands recruitment and training efforts. Future USASRFC interventions should emphasize early-stage student engagement, interprofessional faculty partnerships, and clear recognition of volunteer contributions to maintain a motivated, diverse volunteer base capable of providing broader care than single-disciplinary clinics.

Transforming Interprofessional Education: A DIAM-Driven Approach in the MoveMore Program at a Pro-Bono Student-Led Community Clinic

2026-03-10T11:07:38-05:00

Background- Unlike many interprofessional education (IPE) programs, which rely on simulation or brief exposure, this study examines a multi-semester, student led community-based clinic providing pro-bono services to stroke survivors. The MoveMore program engages physical therapy and nursing students in real-world interprofessional collaboration with community partners who are individuals living with chronic stroke.

Methods-To ensure continuous quality improvement (QI) and patient-centered care, the students and clinical staff implement the Design-Implement-Assess-Modify Model (DIAM), for multidirectional evaluation and immediate program modifications., adapted from the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. Methods utilized a mix of quantitative (Wilcoxon signed rank test) and qualitative data via focus groups.

Results- Four distinct themes emerged that correlate to the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies; Roles & Responsibilities, Communication, Values and ethics, and Team Based care. Through focus group interviews, student insights highlighted how the student-led pro-bono clinic fostered leadership development and teamwork, while the DIAM Model enabled adaptations to address learner needs. Improved orientations, enhanced communication across disciplines, and better clinical decision-making tools were established to ensure quality patient-centered care.

Conclusion-The MoveMore program at this student-led pro-bono clinic demonstrates the value of using a structured QI tool to enhance interprofessional learning.

Evaluating the Financial Impact of a Student-Run Free Clinic in Alabama

2026-03-13T11:09:17-05:00

Background: Given significant existing barriers to healthcare, student-run free clinics (SRFCs) play a critical role in serving their community by reducing the burden of healthcare costs for the patients they serve. The objective of this study was to characterize the financial impact of free services provided by our SRFC in 2023 and understand its role and significance in community health.

Methods: The annual expenditure was calculated based on our SRFC’s spending on supplies, laboratory tests, medications, patient transportation, interpretation, and security costs. Free services provided by the clinic to patients included clinical appointments, medications, and laboratory tests. The value of primary and specialty care appointments was calculated based on 2023 Medicare reimbursement rates. The value of laboratory tests was based on the laboratory’s standard self-pay rates, and the value of free medications was calculated using the lowest out-of-pocket GoodRx price in the Birmingham area. The primary measure was the financial impact of SRFC services in one calendar year.

Results: The SRFC provided a total of 744 clinic visits in 2023. The clinic’s operating expenditure was $59,683. The total value of free services from the SRFC included $99,207 in clinic visits, $92,848 in laboratory tests, and $25,205 in free medications. After subtracting the operating expenditures from the value of free services, the SRFC saved the community $157,370 in healthcare services.

Conclusions: Descriptions of an SRFC’s financial impact are a powerful tool that can be used to advocate for the expansion and development of health professions school’s SRFCs. Quantifying the financial impact of SRFCs provides a reproducible framework for demonstrating their essential role in reducing healthcare costs and advancing equitable access, gaining insights that can guide and strengthen free clinics nationwide.

Digital Literacy and Technology Access Among Patients at a Student-Run Free Clinic

2026-04-28T12:04:23-05:00

Background: Although telemedicine expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital divide remains that may limit the implementation in clinics serving underserved patient populations. To assess barriers to digital health services, this study investigates technological capabilities and access among low-income, uninsured patients at a student-run free clinic (SRFC).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over five weeks among patients at a SRFC. Patients over 18 years old (yo) who provided consent and demonstrated capacity completed a survey assessing demographics, device ownership, Wi-Fi access, technology proficiency, and knowledge of electronic medical records. Patient age groups were compared to matched United States population data.

Results: Among 109 patients (mean age 49.7 ± 11.6 years), 93.5% identified as Hispanic/Latino and 82.3% preferred Spanish. Smartphone ownership was high (87.2% vs 90% U.S., p = 0.323), comparable to the US population. However, fewer patients had reliable Wi-Fi access (70.6% vs 95% U.S., p < 0.001) and fewer owned other devices such as computers or tablets (32.1% vs 66% U.S., p < 0.001). While 75.2% reported at least basic proficiency with their devices, only 41.2% knew how to access their records, and just 23.9% had ever been taught how. By age group, smartphone ownership mirrored national rates (p > 0.05). However, only the youngest (18–29 years) and oldest (65+ years) groups had Wi-Fi access comparable to their US counterparts, with middle-aged groups showing lower levels.

Conclusion: Despite high smartphone ownership, significant gaps in digital literacy remain in underserved populations. These findings suggest smartphone-based digital health solutions could improve healthcare access, but tailored educational programs are needed to enhance digital literacy and empower patients to use electronic medical records. Future research should explore innovative strategies to reduce digital disparities and improve health outcomes in these communities.

Perceived Benefits of Free Clinic Participation on Clinical Education

2026-05-13T12:27:25-05:00

Background: Free clinics provide valuable services to underserved communities while offering medical students early clinical exposure. However, limited research exists evaluating the benefit of free clinic participation on clinical skill development from the student perspective. This study aims to assess medical students’ perceptions of how volunteering at a free clinic influences their clinical skill development.

Methods: A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed to 68 medical students who had volunteered at St. Matthew’s Free Clinic within the past 18 months. The survey included 11 questions, including 7 Likert-scale items assessing perceived growth in clinical skills (e.g., patient history-taking, physical examination, blood glucose measurement, pharmacology knowledge, clinical note-taking, and overall skill development), as well as perceived coursework sacrifice and enjoyment. Thirty-eight students responded (55% response rate). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression.

Results: Volunteers overwhelmingly felt that their free clinic experience contributed positively to the development of their clinical skills. Notably, the difference in ratings between school years for "clinical note taking" was statistically significant, with second-year students scoring higher (9.50 ± 0.86) compared to third- and fourth-year students (7.73 ± 1.75, p = 0.0007).

Conclusion: Medical students perceive free clinic participation as beneficial to clinical skill development. Embedding free clinic experiences into the curriculum could strengthen students' foundation of clinical skills prior to their years of clinical training.

An Educational Curriculum Informing 5 Student Run Free Clinics in Philadelphia

2026-05-11T23:42:50-05:00

The organization JeffHOPE (Health Opportunities, Prevention, and Education) operates five student run free clinics (SRFCs) in Philadelphia. The organization's goals are threefold: to provide supervised free acute medical care to persons experiencing homelessness, connect patients to the Philadelphia healthcare system, and educate medical students and residents on compassionate and culturally competent care at the intersection between homelessness and healthcare. While many SRFCs around the country have emerged to provide medical care to underserved patients across the United States, something that makes JeffHOPE unique is its educational model. This article describes the development of a longitudinal, interactive educational model implemented by medical students at JeffHOPE. This model has implications beyond informing how medical students operate clinics, giving students tools to provide patient-centered, culturally competent care to vulnerable populations during their training and beyond.

Cardiovascular Risk Among an Underserved Chinese American Community in Chicago: A Graduate Student Health Organization Prioritizing Community Health Needs

2026-04-02T10:06:30-05:00

Introduction: The Midwestern University Asian Healthcare Association (AHA) is an interdisciplinary student healthcare organization. In collaboration with the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) located in Chicago’s Chinatown, AHA provides monthly community healthcare services led by AHA students at the MAHA facility. This project assessed the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia among the Chinese American members of MAHA, as well as their risk for cardiovascular disease, to prioritize the community’s health needs.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on MAHA members receiving community health services during 2014-2018. Blood pressure and fasting lipid panel data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome based on standard clinical guidelines. Data is presented as descriptive statistics.

Results: From January 2014 to December 2018, 1299 members of MAHA attended the monthly healthcare events, averaging 23 members per month. During the assessment period, 29% of members received more than one blood pressure reading. The prevalence of hypertension within this group was 15%, with nearly half having Stage 2 hypertension, making them candidates for antihypertensive drug therapy. Additionally, 89% of the members had a complete lipid panel for assessment. The results showed that 8% had very high total cholesterol levels, 25% had very low high-density lipoproteins levels, and 2% with very high low-density lipoproteins levels.

Conclusion: This assessment reveals notable cardiovascular risk among underserved Chinese Americans in Chicago's Chinatown. In response, AHA provides personalized education on cardiovascular risk reduction through diet and exercise. However, our findings also highlight challenges members face accessing advanced care and ongoing efforts to address these obstacles. Understanding health disparities in underserved populations offers valuable insights for student-led initiatives to prioritize services and address resource gaps.

Establishing an Ophthalmic Screening Event for Refugee Populations in Columbia, Missouri

2026-04-16T11:50:39-05:00

Background: Access to ophthalmic care is a persistent challenge for underserved populations, including refugees, immigrants, and uninsured individuals, leading to untreated ocular conditions that significantly impact quality of life. To address this need, we launched the first student-run ophthalmic screening event in Columbia, Missouri, providing free, comprehensive dilated eye exams and vision screenings.

Methods: The location of this one-day screening event was determined by partnership with the University of Missouri’s already-established free student-run community health clinic, MedZou and Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri and use of their space. Patients from the refugee community were identified and registered by Catholic Charities and scheduled into fifteen-minute time slots. Both walk-ins and scheduled appointments were created. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted at the event and descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: Among the 52 participants of the study, the majority were refugees referred through Catholic Charities. Regarding ophthalmologic diagnoses, 5 (9.6%) were diagnosed with glaucoma, 3 (5.7%) with cataracts, 7 (13.5%) with hypertensive retinopathy, 28 (53.9%) with refractive errors, and 9 (17.3%) with dry eye syndrome. Notably, 17 participants (32.6%) required follow-up care, which highlights the urgent need for ongoing ophthalmic services.

Conclusions: The high rate of refugee participants underscores that these screening events address a significant gap in care for these populations and providing data on the prevalence of ocular health conditions among this cohort. By providing tailored education, referrals to affordable follow-up care, and comprehensive screenings, we demonstrated the feasibility of integrating ophthalmic services into student-run clinics. This initiative offers a replicable model for reducing disparities in eye health, improving early detection of ocular diseases, and promoting equitable access to essential ophthalmic care, and we hope to establish this as an annual clinic event.

The Effect of Climate on Free Clinic Attendance by Individuals Experiencing Housing Insecurity

2026-04-30T14:47:56-05:00

Individuals experiencing housing insecurity are a population with inherently transient needs and resources and are particularly vulnerable to climate events such as extreme temperatures and precipitation. Prior studies have examined the relationship between weather and clinic attendance, but few focus specifically on the housing insecure population. This study evaluated the effect of weather events on attendance at Norfolk Street Choir-Street Health - a weekly student-run, walk-in free clinic in the central, downtown city population of Norfolk, Virginia. Clinic attendance and weather data were retrospectively reviewed for 2021-2022. In this period, there were 101 clinic dates and 775 patient visits. Descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance were performed using Statistical Analysis System to analyze attendance against temperature and precipitation, as well as monthly and seasonal trends. The warmer months of August and September had statistically significantly higher attendance rates compared to June, February, and March. There was also a positive correlation between clinic attendance and average temperature on the day before, night before, and day of clinic. This data helps clarify which climate-related factors most significantly impact individuals experiencing housing insecurity, allowing clinics to allocate resources more effectively and proactively address these barriers in the future.