For Health Equity Week, the Duke Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) and the Duke Journal for Health Equity (DJHE) collaborated to interview student representatives of the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership (EHHOP). EHHOP is the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai's student-run, physician-supervised free clinic that serves uninsured adults in East Harlem (“East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership,” n.d.).

In the context of a stagnating economy, the significance of free clinics becomes more pronounced. As individuals face job losses, reduced income, and financial instability, free clinics emerge as crucial lifelines for communities grappling with economic hardship (Lopes et al., 2024). By bridging gaps in access, these clinics serve as safety nets for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford medical services and fall through the cracks of the healthcare system (Safety Net Resources, n.d.). As demand for affordable healthcare escalates in the face of economic instability, the role of free clinics becomes increasingly vital in addressing disparities and ensuring equitable access to care for vulnerable populations.

The interview, conducted by MAPS’ Vice President Carlos Montes, shed light on the invaluable work of student-run free clinics in addressing healthcare disparities. Aaron LeVan and Sam Eitenbichler, medical students deeply involved with EHHOP, provided insight into the clinic's mission, operations, and impact on the community it serves. Aaron noted how “Our healthcare system does not work for everyone. It is not equitable.” He explained that EHHOP is a collective effort to make a small change in the system where the student body and faculty come together and volunteer to make health equity a priority. Aaron emphasized EHHOP’s main mission: to provide high quality care to their patients without regard to their socio-demographic markers - striving for equitable access regardless of factors such as income, ethnicity, or immigration status. The clinic annually serves over 250 patients, catering to various needs including obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, physical medicine and rehabilitation/podiatry, liver/gastrointestinal care, mental healthcare, and cardiology (“East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership,” n.d.). Not only does EHHOP conduct over 1,000 patient visits a year, but Aaron and Sam emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships with patients, recognizing the complex challenges they face in accessing healthcare. As Aaron said, “[EHHOP is] providing the best care, the most holistic care possible to this population.”

The significance of free clinics extends beyond immediate medical care. These clinics often serve as hubs for addressing the broader social drivers of health that contribute to health inequities. By offering resources such as social work support, referrals to community services, and health education programs, free clinics empower patients to address underlying factors impacting their health, such as housing instability and lack of access to transportation (The Free Medical Clinic, 2016). EHHOP's mission echoes this, extending beyond providing medical care to address social drivers of health and advocate for systemic change. Initiatives such as the Access To Care (ACT) team work closely with patients to help address their social needs, such as mitigating food insecurity and enrolling patients in Emergency Medicaid (“East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership (EHHOP),” n.d.). Programs like ACT underscore a broader vision for equitable healthcare access; Aaron and Sam highlighted the need for systemic reform, acknowledging the structural flaws in the healthcare system that perpetuate disparities.

Other than providing medical and social care, EHHOP also has a “robust research branch.” One of their new studies examined the quality of care provided by their clinic, comparing patient outcomes to national metrics. Despite serving a predominantly low-income, minority population facing financial hardships and healthcare access barriers, the clinic met or exceeded national standards in 16 out of 18 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set measures. Notably, the clinic demonstrated comparable performance to insured patients receiving care from hospital systems, suggesting the effectiveness of their student-led healthcare delivery model in addressing disparities (Jiang et al., 2024).

Free clinics stand as crucial pillars of support amidst economic struggles, offering vital medical services to vulnerable populations. As economic pressures intensify, the importance of these clinics amplifies. By offering a lifeline to underserved communities and advocating for systemic change, free clinics play a pivotal role in advancing health equity and building healthier, more resilient communities.

Overall, the interview serves as a powerful testament to the impactful work of student-run free clinics like EHHOP in addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for health equity. It underscores the importance of grassroots efforts and community engagement in driving positive change within the healthcare landscape. Through continued collaboration and advocacy, student-run free clinics play a vital role in building a healthier, more equitable future for underserved communities.

However, it is important to note that there are additional ways to make an impact. Sam stated that “There are different ways to become involved in advocacy and healthcare inequity, not just in EHHOP. I would say the vast majority of students at Mount Sinai do in one way or another and are focused on healthcare equity and improving health care on a bigger picture.”

Our collaboration between MAPS, DJHE, and EHHOP during Health Equity Week highlights the importance of raising awareness and fostering dialogue around health equity issues. By amplifying the voices of those working on the front lines of healthcare disparities, such collaborations facilitate meaningful conversations and drive collective action towards creating a more just and inclusive healthcare system for all.