ATSU-SOMA students experience caring for metro Phoenix homeless
Posted: November 21, 2013
First-year A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-SOMA) students are learning how to care for the homeless population of Phoenix through their volunteer involvement with Circle the City.Founded by Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, MD, Circle the City is Arizona’s first medical respite center and provides care to people experiencing homelessness in metro Phoenix. Through collaboration with area hospitals, Circle the City provides homeless people with a place to heal after hospitalization.
Under the guidance of Sharon Obadia, DO, assistant professor and director of medical skills for OMS1 and OMS2 courses, ATSU-SOMA, one first-year student per month accompanies Dr. Obadia, who volunteers at Circle the City. Students who participate are also required to be a member of ATSU-SOMA’s Health Disparities Interest Group, which was started by students in 2011.Currently, ATSU-SOMA is the only medical school with participating students at Circle the City.
“As a physician, I feel strongly that role-modeling working with homeless patients is a great way to get students thinking about doing the same when they go out into practice,” said Dr. Obadia. “At the clinic, the students are able to practice and develop their history-taking, physical exam and OMT skills under faculty supervision.”
Esther Son, OMS1, ATSU-SOMA, accompanied Dr. Obadia to Circle the City in October. At the 50-bed facility, she met a man in his 40s who had been in the hospital for wound care on his foot and was referred to Circle the City. Son, who plans to go into primary care and work with the underserved after graduation, was able to observe dressing changes as well as provide OMT to the patient.
“This is an amazing and unique place,” said Son. “Not only was I able to have the mentoring of Dr. Obadia for working with patients, but I was able to experience different health professionals working together for the benefit of patients. Patients are truly blessed to be at Circle the City.”