Future Physicians Make Early Rounds at Indy Clinics

Peggy Michelle Stein slumps under the weight of a firefighter's helmet and gear as a handful of curious youngsters swarms around her. She gently steers her entourage into the Indianapolis Westside Community Health Center.

Her outfit isn't typical medical student attire, and she's not looking to put out fires. But the firefighter's getup and her enthusiasm were all she needed to spark the children's interest and entice them into the clinic.

Promoting health, wellness and safety at this and the North Arlington Community Health Center was the goal for Ms. Stein and fellow medical students during National Primary Care Week last October. Blase Polite, a fourth-year student, originated the idea of conducting the health-screening fairs and enlisted the help of medical students at all levels. They answered the call; about sixty students were on hand at both fairs.

"TGhese events were a chance for students to actually design a project from the ground up and then take the lead in directing patients' education," says Mr. Politge, who plans to specialize in hematology and oncology. He says the centers were selected because they are in areas where the community is medically underserved.

The students distributed free health care literature and assisted IUSM physicians in screening adults for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and colon cancer, and giving prostate exams. Vision and hearting screenings and dental examinations were offered to children.