Service opportunities supporting the local community
As a medical student at Ohio State, you will develop the competence to provide outstanding care to diverse patient populations. In the clinical setting, you will encounter patients who are from urban or rural areas, who are wealthy, poor, young, elderly, Christian, Hindu, Jewish or Muslim. You might see patients from developing countries and various ethnic groups, patients who do not speak English or who are part of a non-traditional family.
Columbus Free Clinic
Many Ohio State medical students volunteer to use their learning and skills to serve patients through the Columbus Free Clinic, a free primary and urgent care walk-in clinic serving more than 1,200 underserved patients in the greater Columbus community annually for more than 20 years. Managed by Ohio State medical students under the supervision of volunteer physicians, the clinic offers primary care services, including diagnosis of and treatment for conditions such as colds and flu, chronic diseases such as diabetes or asthma, minor injuries, as well as immunizations, STD testing, TB testing, dental care, prenatal care, and general and chronic care for senior citizens. Specialty care, including gynecology, orthopedics and dermatology may be scheduled with the approval of one of the clinic’s primary care physicians. The clinic now offers free services geared towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Clinics Serving Specific Populations
Ohio State medical students also have the opportunity to volunteer in free clinics that serve specific underserved populations in the Columbus area:
- La Clinica Latina is a free, full-service health clinic providing Spanish-speaking individuals with ongoing health care, including gynecological care for women and dental care.
- The Asian Health Initiative Free Clinic focuses on serving the needs of the Asian community through ongoing health care.
- Noor Community Clinic serves the Muslim community, and provides routine medical care and physical examinations, treatment for non-emergency illnesses, screenings for diabetes mellitus, and health education services.
- Rainbow Clinic provides LGBTQIA-affirming care.
The Wexner Medical Center's Healthy Community Day
Our Healthy Community Day, an annual event that provides the community with free health screenings and medical information. Medical students volunteer for this event to talk to community members about health education topics or assist with healthcare services.
Student outreach and advocacy
Medical students are actively involved in student organizations ranging from clinical interest groups to outreach and advocacy. There are many opportunities for volunteering based on your interests and passions.