Volunteering at Tulane Medical School: A Comprehensive Guide

Tulane University School of Medicine (TUSOM), nestled in the heart of the growing New Orleans Medical Corridor, has a long-standing commitment to serving its community. Founded in 1834, the school has produced countless leaders in medicine, recognized worldwide for their research programs and faculty contributions. A key aspect of this commitment is the robust network of student-run clinics and volunteer opportunities that allow aspiring medical professionals to gain invaluable experience while making a tangible difference in the lives of underserved populations. For prospective students, understanding the volunteering landscape at Tulane is crucial for aligning their experiences with the school's mission and values.

The Importance of Volunteering at Tulane Medical School

Volunteering is more than just an extracurricular activity at Tulane; it's an integral part of the school's identity. Tulane seeks students who demonstrate "humanism and rigor," and who are committed to "improving human health and fostering healthy communities." Volunteering provides a platform for students to translate classroom knowledge into real-world practice, develop essential clinical skills, and cultivate empathy and compassion for patients from diverse backgrounds.

What Tulane Looks for in Volunteers

Tulane's mission statement emphasizes "healthy communities through discovery," "highest quality patient care," and "distinguished clinical and scientific leaders." When evaluating applicants, the admissions committee looks for individuals who:

Demonstrate a commitment to community health: Experience in research projects focused on community health, health disparities, or public health initiatives is highly valued.
Strive for excellence in patient care: Shadowing physicians in various specialties, becoming a certified EMT or medical scribe, and actively engaging with patients are essential.
Show potential for leadership: Taking on leadership roles in student organizations, initiating projects addressing public health challenges, and enhancing existing community programs are all ways to demonstrate leadership potential.

Understanding Tulane's Volunteer Framework

Tulane University defines volunteers as individuals who perform services directly related to the activities of the University for their own benefit, to support the humanitarian, educational, charitable or public service activities of the University, or to gain experience in specific endeavors. These volunteers perform services without promise, expectation or receipt of any compensation, future employment or any other tangible benefit.

Key Guidelines for Volunteers

Several important guidelines govern volunteering activities within the university:

Read also: Gibson Hall History

An individual can volunteer in a capacity that differs from their employment elsewhere in the University.
An employee may not become a University volunteer at the University in any capacity in which he or she is currently employed, or which is essentially similar to the individual’s regular work at the University.
A volunteer is generally required to complete a Volunteer Agreement to perform activities such as: Laboratory activities not specifically prohibited; Professional services, such as those being performed by accountants, architects, doctors, engineers, etc.
University volunteers may not replace employee positions or impair the employment of a University position.
Volunteers’ services are generally limited to humanitarian, charitable or public services.

Student-Run Clinics: A Cornerstone of Volunteering at Tulane

Tulane University School of Medicine boasts an impressive network of over 30 student-led clinics, providing medical services to the New Orleans community. These clinics offer a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, work with diverse patient populations, and contribute to addressing healthcare disparities in the region.

A Sampling of TUSOM's Student-Run Clinics

Fleur de Vie NOLA East Clinic: Hosted at NOELA Community Health Center, this clinic offers specialty care in Hematology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Cardiology, Hepatology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology. Students work in teams to assess patients, present findings to attending physicians, and develop treatment plans.
Grace House: Partnering with the Bridge House rehabilitation center, Grace House provides residential treatment programs for women with drug and alcohol addictions. The student-run clinic provides intake physicals, prescriptions, and out-of-clinic referrals, with findings presented to an attending physician for assessment and treatment planning.
Luke's House: This clinic provides healthcare services to New Orleans’s large Spanish-speaking population. Services include general checkups, screening for hypertension and diabetes, prescription assistance, vaccinations, and referrals. Spanish proficiency is evaluated for prospective volunteers.
New Orleans Mission: Housed in New Orleans’ largest homeless shelter, the clinic treats subacute illnesses and serves as a bridge to established resources for homeless and indigent populations. Services include a weekly precepted clinic staffed by Internal Medicine residents, as well as flu vaccination, TB, HIV and Hepatitis C testing services.
Ozanam Inn: In partnership with Ozanam Inn, a homeless shelter, this clinic improves access to health care for the diverse and underserved population in New Orleans. It provides in-house clinical services including primary care, TB testing, HIV testing, and flu vaccination, and offers referrals for specialized care.
Fleur de Vie Ruth Fertel Clinics: Operating jointly with Access Health Louisiana at Ruth U. Fertel/ Tulane Community Health Center, this clinic delivers primary care to an underserved patient population. Services include check-ups, health screenings, physicals, patient education, and HIV testing and counseling. Spanish interpreting services are available.
Bridge House: Established in 1999, the Bridge House Wednesday clinic provides medical care for men with drug and alcohol addictions who have entered Bridge House’s long-term residential treatment program. Students perform histories and physical exams, coordinate follow-up care, referrals, in-house consults, prescription medications, and provide HIV and TB testing and counseling.
Bethel Colony South: This long-term substance abuse rehabilitation facility for men hosts biweekly clinics with varying topics such as hypertension & diabetes, STIs and their prevention, linkage to care, and mental wellness. Students interact one-on-one with residents to provide personalized counseling and develop action plans to address health concerns.

Specialized Programs: Addressing Specific Health Needs

Tulane also offers specialized programs focused on addressing specific health challenges in the New Orleans community:

HIV/Hepatitis C Testing Program: Addressing the high rates of HIV and Hepatitis C in New Orleans, this program allows students to detect cases early and link people to care. Volunteers provide counseling on harm reduction practices and resources for PrEP, needle exchange, etc.
TB Testing Program: Given New Orleans' higher-than-average TB rates, this program provides opportunities to detect cases and refer patients to treatment programs. The program operates in all clinics as well as the Salvation Army.
Tulane Street Health Response: This program brings medical workers to the unsheltered homeless, providing evaluation, treatment, and referral to primary and specialty care. It aims to establish rapport and address immediate and future health needs.

Types of Volunteer Roles

Volunteering opportunities at Tulane Medical School extend beyond direct clinical care. Students can contribute in various ways, depending on their skills and interests. Some examples include:

Drop-In Center Volunteer: Greeting and signing in guests, determining eligibility, explaining procedures, and setting up new clients with intake packets. Skills needed include basic computer skills, good interpersonal and communication skills, and comfort in a busy environment.
Clothing Room Volunteer: Managing, washing, and sorting donated clothing items. This role requires the ability to work on your feet for several hours in a busy environment.
Street Outreach Volunteer: Participating in street outreach and community events, including HIV testing events, to provide supportive services to homeless and marginally housed adolescents. This role requires comfort engaging members of the community in mixed-income areas.
HiSet Tutor: Assisting clients pursuing a HiSet degree (formerly known as G.E.D.) with math, grammar, science, etc. Volunteers must commit to meet with their client for at least 3 months and possess patience and a helpful demeanor.
Meal Provider: Preparing and delivering meals for 15-25 people at the Drop-In Center. Meals must be easily reheated in a microwave.
Webpage Assistant: Assisting with the upkeep of the Drop-In Center’s webpage.

Training and Preparation for Student-Run Clinics

To ensure that students are well-prepared for their roles in the student-run clinic system, Tulane offers comprehensive training programs.

Student Clinic Council Foundations in Medicine (FiM) Training

All first-year students (T1s) complete Basic Life Support (BLS) training in conjunction with a Student Clinic Council Foundations in Medicine (FiM) Training session. This training is designed to familiarize students with the Student Clinic Council (SCC), Tulane policies, and the healthcare landscape in New Orleans/Louisiana.

Read also: Famous Figures from Tulane

FiM Training Learning Objectives

Become familiar with the healthcare landscape in New Orleans/Louisiana
Understand the Student Clinic Council structure
Become familiar with the Student Run Clinic sites and the training requirements to participate in the clinic system
Understand protocols for emergency situations that may arise in clinic such as (1) stroke, (2) myocardial infarction, (3) hypertension-emergency, and (4) seizures
Review the TUSOM Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Protocol
Gain tools for dealing with hostile situations and difficult patients in the clinical setting
Begin to practice taking a history and briefly presenting using the SOAP format
Properly measure blood pressure

Tuberculosis and Vaccination Training

Given the prevalence of tuberculosis in the New Orleans area, TB testing is a significant part of the student-run clinic program. Students volunteering in TB Clinics must be trained in how to place and interpret PPDs. Intramuscular vaccination training is also provided, allowing volunteers to learn how to properly administer vaccines.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved in volunteering at Tulane Medical School is a straightforward process. The Student Clinic Council (SCC) serves as a central hub for information and opportunities. Students can:

Attend the SCC Foundations in Medicine (FiM) Training during their first year.
Explore the list of student-run clinics and identify those that align with their interests.
Contact the clinic coordinators to inquire about volunteer opportunities and training requirements.
Participate in specialized training programs, such as TB and vaccination training, to expand their skill set.

Showcasing Your Volunteering Experience

When applying to Tulane Medical School, it's essential to effectively showcase your volunteering experiences. Here are some tips:

Highlight your impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "I volunteered at a homeless shelter," say "I volunteered at a homeless shelter, serving meals to an average of 20 individuals per week."
Connect your experiences to Tulane's mission: Explain how your volunteering experiences have prepared you to contribute to Tulane's commitment to community health, patient care, and leadership.
Share personal anecdotes: Use your secondary essays and interviews to share stories about your interactions with patients and the lessons you learned from those experiences.
Demonstrate your commitment: Show that you have consistently dedicated your time and energy to volunteering, rather than simply participating in a few isolated events.

Read also: Tulane Costs Explained

tags: #tulane #medical #school #volunteering #requirements