In Iowa and many other states, migrant workers are a big part of the economy. Many of these people don't have time for and can't afford regular medical care. But leaving them without care isn't an option, either. Fortunately, there are organizations which engage with this population. The Carver College of Medicine, for instance, has a very strong emphasis on learning through serving the medically underserved. By setting up migrant health clinics where those workers live--in their often temporary and extremely basic housing communities--students can learn about the practice of medicine outside a doctor's office or hospital while bringing badly needed healthcare to those who'd otherwise forgo it. Second-year med student Jesse White suggested a show on working with these populations. Joined by fellow second-year Erin Steele and retired Physician Assistant Peg Bouska, we discuss the non-ideal world of practicing medicine without the right spaces, equipment, systems, and tools...and what students learn about medicine by doing so. Is learning through service important to you? What experiences have you had with service learning, and what did you learn? Call us at 347-SHORTCT anytime, visit our Facebook group, or email theshortcoats@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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