The Creation of a Free Outpatient Surgical Clinic: A Descriptive Report

Natalie Schelbar; Rahel Eshete; Kaya Nies; Robert D Winfield

doi:10.59586/jsrc.v10i1.450

Natalie Schelbar University of Kansas School of Medicine
Rahel Eshete University of Kansas School of Medicine
Kaya Nies University of Kansas School of Medicine
Robert D Winfield, MD, FACS University of Kansas Medical Center

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59586/jsrc.v10i1.450

Keywords: Student Run Clinic, Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, General Surgery

Abstract

Student run free clinics (SRFCs) are continuing to grow in scope and number given the significant benefits to both learners and disadvantaged patients. Despite recent growth, very few provide any form of surgical services. In order to address inequalities in patient access to care and clinical outcomes, it is imperative to include disadvantaged surgical patients, including in the settings of SRFCs. The Kansas City based chapter of Socially Responsible Surgery (SRS) opened a free, volunteer based, student and resident run outpatient surgical clinic. In this article we describe detailed steps to the establishment of the SRS Clinic to lay the framework for other SRFCs or chapters of SRS to continue to grow the number of free clinics able to provide surgical services.