Student-led healthcare clinics first emerged as an innovative response to unmet healthcare needs, particularly among underserved populations, that also provide students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences (Simpson & Long, 2007). Over the past several decades, these clinics have become increasingly prevalent in university settings, where they serve as vital platforms for students to develop clinical, organizational, and leadership skills in real-world environments (Smith et al., 2014). The impact of student-led clinics is twofold: They improve access to care for vulnerable communities and significantly enhance student preparedness for professional practice. Students engaged in these clinics consistently report greater leadership abilities, increased social empathy, and heightened confidence in their skill sets (Wilson et al., 2023). While most student-led clinics are affiliated with universities, a handful of community colleges have pioneered similar initiatives, demonstrating that with strong leadership, collaborative partnerships, and sustained support, these programs can transform community college healthcare education and local community well-being.

Collaboration with neighboring healthcare university programs, organizations, and community leaders has led to unique success at GateWay Community College. Healthcare United at GateWay (HUG) is a pro bono clinic that provides specialty services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, ultrasound, pulmonary rehabilitation, and medical massage. This faculty-driven initiative creates a safe space where students can apply the skills they are learning in their didactic curriculum in a clinic setting with actual patients under the guidance of faculty. HUG also gives students who may have never worked directly with a patient the opportunity to do so in an environment where they can learn critical interpersonal skills. What started as a small lab project has grown into a robust setting that annually provides services for over 1,000 patient visits as well as hands-on experiences to students from four community colleges and three university healthcare programs. GateWay is filling a gap in the healthcare industry and HUG has had a waitlist for services for years.

The alignment between the HUG Clinic's mission and GateWay's strategic priorities is evident in their shared focus on student success, learning excellence, and innovation. GateWay's commitment to being a College of Well-Being emphasizes the importance of increasing well-being literacy for all community members, a goal that resonates with the services provided by HUG. This core value drives intentional efforts for GateWay to improve in ways that impact the wider community. Dr. Amy Diaz, GateWay Community College President, states,

The HUG Clinic embodies the spirit of well-being and highlights our important role in the community, Arizona’s healthcare system, and . . . the countless lives of the students and patients we serve. While these services ultimately have a price tag, changing lives is priceless.

By embracing innovative programs like the HUG Clinic, GateWay demonstrates its dedication to enhancing student outcomes and giving back to the community, reflecting its core values of character, care, connection, contribution, and career.

The need for services only grows with increasing healthcare costs. People need help to make ends meet and are often ill-prepared when an accident happens. HUG provides $100,000 value each year to GateWay’s local community of Phoenix, Arizona. Communities and organizations see the improvement in the lives of patients. Fundraising endeavors have supported mobile HUG services, a new 3,000-square-foot clinic with state-of-the-art equipment, an endowment, and programs directly impacting patients’ lives. One of the most significant achievements of HUG is staff and faculty support through the Gateway Gives campaign, which provides a continual revenue stream to support patient services. Names of those who have donated are prominently displayed on a donation wall, reminding everyone at the clinic of their support for its daily work.

A diagnostic Medical Sonography student works with a patient at the HUG Clinic

The brevity of community college certificate and degree programs limits students' opportunities to participate in student-led clinic work, including the number of patients served and the impact on the community. Collaborating with local universities allows the clinic to treat more patients and also offers other benefits. For example, doctoral students from Northern Arizona University's (NAU) occupational and physical therapy programs treat patients and create fundraising and outreach opportunities. According to Dr. Holly Carroll, Associate Program Director of the NAU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, the missions of NAU and GateWay “align to empower students and improve the health of our diverse communities.” She continued,

We have developed and sustained a unique partnership that fosters an interprofessional clinical learning environment. Students learn more than just clinical skills through this partnership with HUG. They integrate the [American Physical Therapy Association] core values of social responsibility, altruism, and collaboration as they appreciate the importance of service and interact with peers from various health professions.

Carroll also shares that NAU’s physical therapy program values philanthropy as a key part of a student’s professional development. Since 2022, DPT students have led the Hustle for HUG walk/run, raising over $10,000 for the HUG Clinic and building alumni and sponsor support. In 2024, students from multiple health programs also launched Healthy for HUG, a community health fair promoting wellness and interprofessional collaboration.

Student success drives outcomes for any collegiate setting. Last year, students' self-reported end-of-semester surveys showed a 45 percent increase in confidence levels when treating patients after participating in a HUG clinical experience. “The opportunities to have open discussions about treatment plans and techniques were key to my [physical therapist assistant] education,” remarked a recent graduate. “I feel the HUG helped set me up for success in my clinical practicums and career.” Laura Safa, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director, noted, “The HUG Clinic experience distinguishes our students from [those attending] other physical therapist assistant programs in the Phoenix area. Our clinical partners frequently commend GateWay students for their superior preparation, professionalism, and ability to build rapport with patients."

Establishing and growing the HUG Clinic at GateWay Community College underscores the significant benefits that student-led clinics bring to both the educational landscape and community healthcare. By providing a practical platform for students to hone their skills and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare needs of underserved populations, the clinic fosters an enriching environment for student development. The success of HUG, supported by robust leadership, strong collaborations, and effective fundraising, highlights the potential for such initiatives to serve as models for integrating healthcare education with community service. Moreover, the clinic's ability to adapt and expand its services reflects its commitment to addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the community. This initiative prepares students more effectively for their future roles in healthcare and embodies the core values of giving back and serving the community, making it a beacon of success in community college and healthcare program collaboration.

References

Simpson, S. A., & Long, J. A. (2007). Medical student-run health clinics: important contributors to patient care and medical education. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 22(3), 352-356.

Smith, S., Thomas, R., Cruz, M., Griggs, R., Moscato, B., & Ferrera, A. (2014). Presence and characteristics of student-run free clinics in medical schools. Journal of the American Medical Association, 312(22), 2407-2410.

Wilson, O. W. A., Broman, P., Tokolahi, E., Andersen, P., & Brownie, S. (2023). Learning outcomes from participation in student-run health clinics: A systematic review. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 16, 143-157.

Lead image: Patient Rosa uses an arm bike during a visit to the HUG Clinic

Heather Murray is Program Manager, Healthcare United at GateWay Clinic, at GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona.

Opinions expressed in Innovation Showcase are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the League for Innovation in the Community College.