Family Medicine & Community Health Elective Course Description

Erik Garcia MD
Contact: Karen Rayla

Elective Description: 
To learn how homelessness impacts on health and the ability to access health care and to participate in a program which addresses these issues through a unique comprehensive approach. To explore the special health care needs of patients with psychiatric illness and substance abuse issues. To expand the students’ knowledge base through direct participation at outreach clinics in Worcester. To gain insight and appreciation of the difficult medical and social issues faced by the medically underserved.

Students will observe and assist in providing medical care at several sites throughout Worcester, including local shelters and neighborhood clinics. Students will participate in hospital rounds on patients admitted to these sites.