UK College of Medicine/NKY Students Gain Real-World Patient Experience at CCRU Clinic

Students at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine/Northern Kentucky University are gaining invaluable hands-on patient experience through the Compassionate Care Reaching you (CCRU) Clinic. This initiative, founded in May 2022 by Dr. Holly Danneman, associate dean of the college, and former associate dean Steven Haist, along with a dedicated group of medical students, exemplifies the community-focused service integral to the college’s mission. The CCRU Clinic, a student-led free clinic, provides accessible medical care to underserved populations in the Northern Kentucky community, embodying the principle of serving others as highlighted in Matthew 25:35.

The clinic operates two evenings a week at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky (ESNKY), offering services from 6 to 9 p.m. Patients, who are overnight guests at the shelter, are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Under the supervision of a physician, students attend to 5-10 patients per clinic night in two patient exam spaces. This setup allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-life scenarios, enhancing their learning experience significantly.

The CCRU Clinic offers a variety of services, including free medical screenings, preventive care education, prescription writing, and the provision of over-the-counter medications. They also treat seasonal allergies, wounds, and encounter chronic diseases, referring patients as necessary. The clinic’s ability to provide a limited initial supply of common antibiotics, thanks to partner pharmacies, further extends its reach and impact. This initiative is supported by a host of partners, including HealthPoint Family Care, Ruwe Family Pharmacy, Blank’s Pharmacy, and Faith Community Pharmacy.

The college’s Introduction to Clinical Medicine course incorporates volunteering at the CCRU Clinic as a service learning experience. However, the initiative has grown beyond its initial scope, with many students choosing to continue their involvement voluntarily. Emily Sharp, one of the three co-managers of the CCRU program this year, notes the invaluable nature of these first patient interactions, which are crucial for developing compassionate and skilled physicians.

Through this initiative, students not only gain practical experience but also embody the spirit of Galatians 6:10, which calls for doing good to all, especially to those of the household of faith. The CCRU Clinic not only serves the homeless but also reaches a population for whom medical care is traditionally out of reach, ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving the care they need.

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