A new model for interprofessional collaboration at a student-run free clinic

The Case Western Reserve University Student-Run Free Clinic represents a unique model of interprofessional collaboration for medical and nursing students. This clinic operates on two Saturdays a month to provide acute medical services at the Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland. We describe how this clinic promotes a sense of mutual investment and interdependence among students, who contribute to the clinic through leadership, planning and patient care. Students may also develop a broader perspective and deeper respect for their professional colleagues, which translates well to a future practice with team-based coordination of clinical services and an increasing emphasis on patient-centered care.