Since our establishment in 2016, we have been dedicated to the goal of establishing a student-led primary care clinic in London, Ontario that would provide after-hours and/or weekend services for marginalized and vulnerable populations in our community.
Available evidence demonstrates that student-led clinics can be effective in helping patients manage a number of chronic illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes. There is also some evidence that suggest student-led clinics help curtail healthcare costs by keeping patients out of hospital. The student volunteers also benefit, with participation decreasing students’ rate of empathy burnout and fostering positive attitudes towards working with vulnerable and marginalized populations.
For the past several years, we have steadily progressed towards the establishment of a student-led primary care clinic. To date, we have built a robust and sustainable board of directors, received buy-in from the programs and schools involved, engaged with the community through health education and outreach activities, and have acquired clinic space.
We are currently continuing to build our relationship with the community and are in the process of securing funds to cover three years worth of anticipated clinic operation expenses.