Nina is the Director of Government Relations for the Council of Academic Family Medicine (CAFM). Her work supports academic family medicine issues, including graduate medical education, primary care research funding, the healthcare workforce and increasing access to primary care physicians to improve health outcomes.
In October of 2023, I visited STFM member Jehni Robinson, MD, FAAFP, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC). Upon becoming chair, Dr Robinson secured funding to create a street medicine team at USC. After which, she partnered with a local county hospital to provide services to more than 60,000 unhoused people.
The USC street medicine team focuses on treating unhoused patients whose needs are often overlooked, if not ignored entirely. I was invited to make rounds to witness firsthand the incredible work the family medicine department does within the community.
Over five hours, we visited several areas throughout South LA. I watched as the team conducted evaluations on new and existing patients, provided wound care, reinstated Medi-Cal insurance, administered medications, and handed out necessities. The providers were compassionate, patient, and kind. The patients were treated with humility, dignity, and the utmost respect. During rounds, we learned a long-term patient was moving into a shelter later that week, which was great news. I held an internal moment of celebration for them, as waitlists for shelters can be extensive. It’s important to note that shelters, while not a long-term solution, provide an important step forward for those experiencing homelessness.
Through Dr Robinson’s leadership with California’s Department of Health and Human Services, and work of the USC street medicine team, physicians in the state are now able to seek Medicare reimbursement of medically necessary professional services to unsheltered homeless individuals, if this care is provided in a “non-permanent” location or found environment.
Since visiting USC, I have spent significant time reflecting on this transformative experience. The street medicine team embodies the spirit of Family Medicine through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering patient support. The contributions of Dr. Robinson and USC’s team are admirable; I am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time observing their commendable work.
Ready to Make a Difference?
STFM will be working with Water Drop LA to assemble care packages on-site at the 2024 STFM Annual Spring Conference. You can purchase items on the Amazon wish list or bring them with you to the conference.
A room will be available at the conference hotel for attendees to assemble care packages during refreshment breaks. Representatives from Water Drop LA will also be on-site to share more about the organization.
Sunday, May 5 from 9:50 to 10:50 am
Monday, May 6 from 10:15 to 11:15 am and 12:45 to 1:45 pm
Tuesday, May 7 from 9:50 to 10:50 am and 2:45 to 3:15 pm
Water Drop LA is a 100% volunteer-run community organization whose mission is to provide clean water and other necessities to communities facing water inaccessibility. By distributing 2,000+ gallons of water to Skid Row each week and by providing water to our partner organizations across Southern California, Water Drop aims to support existing organizers and to meet the immediate needs of the community
STFM Blog 