Vision for Position
If elected as the National Coordinator, my vision for the Society of Student Run Free Clinics would be to expand its reach and offer an even greater sense of community for its members. This greater sense of community will hopefully foster communication and lead to an environment of learning for all students and faculty involved.

I believe that implementing a peer mentorship program will help guide the SSRFC to this goal. As the president of my medical school’s student-led free clinic, one of the experiences I valued the most was the opportunity to connect with other student leaders and build off of advice I received from them. Creating a formal program through the SSRFC will act as the first step of bettering communication within our free clinic community and helping student leaders feel supported. I believe that this will increase the flow of ideas between clinics, and ultimately increase the quality of care delivered across the country.

In line with the mission of the Society of Student Run Free Clinics, I will also work with the Operating Committee to plan the annual conference that places an emphasis on collaboration and resource-sharing between attendees. Finally, if elected, I will represent the SSRFC to the best of my ability with an emphasis on mutual respect, collaboration, and professionalism.

Relevant Experience
As the current President of the Interprofessional Community Clinic (ICC), the student-led free clinic at Rosalind Franklin University, I have been fortunate to take part in many of the clinic’s newest endeavors. In addition to overseeing the thirty-member executive board and acting as a liaison between the school administration and student leaders, I have worked to establish new specialty service offerings like dermatology, ophthalmology, and soon, pelvic health for our patients, a majority of whom would be unable to seek specialty care in a timely manner elsewhere.

Additionally, the executive officers at the ICC and I also established a new partnership with a local organization (PADS Lake County) that provides shelter to local members of our community facing houselessness, in order to reach a population that often does not receive proper healthcare. Beginning in March 2023, the ICC expanded its patient slots to accommodate twice our usual number of primary care appointments on a monthly basis, and we are excited to continue this partnership into 2024.

Like all student-run free clinics, we also continually seek to offer educational opportunities for our students. This year, we were able to establish a Radiology Panel, which is composed of students looking to gain firsthand radiology experience. The Radiology Panel’s role is to volunteer with our podiatry clinic and operate the foot and ankle x-ray machine after a training period. This has allowed more students to volunteer on clinic nights and for students with specific interests to valuable educational experiences while serving our community.

Through all of these experiences, I have gained firsthand experience about what healthcare access and expansion require of their participants. By joining the Operating Committee of the SSRFC, I will be able to work with students and faculty across the country towards a common goal of increased healthcare access, advocacy, and partnership by student run free clinics.