Lisa Mustone Alexander, EdD, MPH, PA-C
Maria Portela-Martinez, MD, MPH
Our current U.S. health care system is facing many challenges. The lack of universal coverage, the affordability of medications and treatments and the limited access to high quality health care services both at a primary care and subspecialty level. On top of it all, we struggle with the fragility of a safety net that doesn’t have enough support or resources to support all of the most vulnerable among us. For over 10 years, our GW students have been working hard to positively impact the quality of life for many of these vulnerable patients. On any given clinic night, you’ll feel a “buzz” that you often don’t find in other healthcare settings. It’s a reflection of the enthusiasm and compassion that is present and palpable. Every student plays a key role in clinic operations… from the front desk staff, to student clinician, patient navigator, laboratory staff, or clinic manager. Along with supervision provided by local volunteer licensed clinicians, the students are fully engaged in the patient’s visit. Our core values of treating all patients with dignity and respect is reinforced to patients during every encounter. It is truly inspiring to see.
Student leaders emulate these values to their peers and the result is an amazing demonstration of the art and science of medicine. We are able to provide services through the financial support of faculty, alumni, family and friends. This funding helps us to sustain and expand our pro-bono clinical services. It may come as a surprise to you, but each year the number of student volunteers exceeds our capacity and we must turn many away because of our current limited clinical capacity.
Fortunately, this year, student leaders have identified a new community partner that will allow us to double the number of student volunteers who will care for an even greater number of patients at the Healing Clinic. Now more than ever, we need your support! We hope that you’ll consider a gift to the Healing Clinic and take solace in knowing that every dollar you give will go directly to patient care. It is a pleasure to serve as the student’s mentors in this important work. We can see the tangible and positive impacts on the health of so many people in our community. Thank you for being a critical part of our mission and allowing us to represent GW so positively in our community.