Giving and Taking: Navigating the Complex Relationship with Student-run Clinics.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Student-run clinics (SRCs) offer healthcare to underserved populations and educational experiences for students.
• Systemic inequities drive the need for SRCs but also expose their operational weaknesses.
• The dual mission of service and learning in SRCs can create inherent conflicts and dilemmas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential conflicts between service and learning goals within student-run clinics.
• To identify operational vulnerabilities and unintended consequences arising from these conflicts.
• To highlight the need for sustainable reforms and resource investment in SRCs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to identify documented challenges in SRCs.
• Analysis of the inherent tensions between patient care and medical training.
• Characterization of potential conflicts and their impact on vulnerable patient populations.

Main Results:

• SRCs face dilemmas where prioritizing training may burden patients, potentially reinforcing inequities.
• Operational vulnerabilities are exacerbated by systemic inequities, complicating the balance between service and education.
• Without strategic reforms and resources, SRCs risk failing their patient populations and perpetuating disparities.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the conflict between service and learning goals in SRCs is essential for effective patient care and equitable outcomes.
• Sustainable reforms and consistent resource investment are necessary to mitigate risks and enhance the impact of SRCs.
• Further research is needed to develop best practices for navigating these complex challenges in medical education and public health settings.