Our mission is ingrained in what we do
Founded in 2016, the Mobile Clinic at USC works alongside the USC Keck School of Medicine to provide high-quality primary care to residents at various homeless shelters throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The vast majority of the residents we serve belong to historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, which is why we promote diversity and cultural awareness in our efforts. Each month, we host two free clinics led by physicians from the USC Keck School of Medicine. In addition to screening services offered through monthly clinics, patients are referred to specialists should their conditions necessitate further medical attention.
The Mobile Clinic undergraduate team is responsible for ensuring that all patients feel comfortable and understand the process of their visit as they navigate through and interact with various professionals at the clinic. This is essential in fostering a healthy physician/patient relationship, given that many of the residents do not have a primary care physician. We also help patients attend any additional follow-up appointments, allowing for a consistently high standard of care. The Advocate Care program, pioneered by the undergraduate team in 2017, provides patients a means to access follow-up clinics in downtown Los Angeles. Transportation and cost are two major factors that deter patients from receiving care, and by providing companionship and free transportation, we have been able to boost attendance at follow-up appointments from about 15% to 95% since implementing the program.
We also host weekly shelter days/game nights at the homeless shelters in order to build camaraderie, foster trust with the residents who attend clinics, as well as remain in contact with those who have utilized the Advocate Care program to make sure that they have received and will continue to receive the care they need.
Aside from shelter days and clinic days, we host several fundraisers. The money raised is used to make self-care packages to distribute to patients during shelter/clinic days and to provide transportation to follow-up appointments. Members also participate in several fellowship events throughout the semester to foster lasting friendships within the organization.
Our mission is ingrained in promoting DEIS (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice)
Mobile Clinic at USC does not tolerate any form of discrimination, whether it be on the basis of religion, race, nation of origin, gender, sex, orientation, age, or ability. We recognize the privilege of being a healthcare-based organization and the need to affirmatively take stand against any and all forms of injustice or discrimination.
We encourage listening to each other, educating ourselves, amplifying the voices of minority communities, and actively fighting against inequity and racism.
Together we acknowledge room for continuous growth and will continue to educate ourselves and our community partners — to promote the transition from statements of solidarity to transformative action and full accountability.
