University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center

On any given night, there are as many as 3,000 homeless people in Albuquerque, according to Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless. The needs of these people vary, but having access to heal care is certainly a priority.

To meet the needs of the city’s homeless, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless provides health care during a daily clinic. Located on First and Mountain, the clinic provides a “drop-in,” which is an hour or two in the morning when coffee and a light breakfast is available. Last year’s “drop-in” events served 25,000 people.

Many of the people who attend the drop-ins stay for some sort of health examination. Last year, 7,500 clients were seen at the clinic. However, because of time constraints, not all of those seeking care were seen by clinic staff.

That’s why medical and physician assistant students from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine began providing their time and skills. About three years ago, due to the overflow of clients each day, the students decided to try and make a difference—one patient at a time.

The Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless clinic staff begins seeing patients weekdays at 8 a.m. An afternoon clinic begins at 1 p.m., but the demand for services is so high that those who are not seen are encouraged to come back on Wednesday afternoons, when the student-run clinic operates.

Every Wednesday beginning at 4:30 p.m., a group of four to six medical and physician assistant students gather at the clinic. The students, who assume the role of physicians, see a total four to six patients an evening.

The participating students range from first-year to fourth-year medical students, specializing in various types of medicine and physician assistant students. The students are given an opportunity to get involved with the student-run clinic at orientation.

Brianne Schneider-Gober is a second-year medical student who wants to practice pathology. Schneider-Gober, who is participating in the clinic for her second year, is also one of the seven officers that head the student-run clinic.

“It’s a great learning experience and it’s a good way for medical students to help out the people of Albuquerque,” said Schneider-Gober. “It was my hope to see what it was like to be a doctor and find a way to reach out to the community,” she says.

In order for the clinic to be run properly, the front desk receptionist, a client advocate, a pharmacist, and a certified medical doctor or nurse must be present. Arthur Kaufman, MD, chair of the UNM Department of Family and Community Medicine, is currently the faculty advisor for the student program.

The students who participate during the Wednesday afternoon clinics receive no UNM class credit or pay for the services they provide. But, they do enjoy the gratitude of their patients. “It’s a blessing for those who are homeless to have a place to come and receive help,” said Kenneth Ward, a client at the clinic.

Students also gain valuable experience. “It’s a good educational experience, we get to work one-on-one with an MD, and in addition to that, it’s a great giving experience,” says Randin Nelson, a second year medical student, who is participating in the clinic for the second year.

These students are the future of medicine in our state. With their example of generosity, the homeless community along with the rest of New Mexico can be assured that their health is in good hands.

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Brianne Schneider-Gober