By Brandee Waite, M.D. and Marcia Faustin, M.D.
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) department has a robust multidisciplinary Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE) committee of ~ 30 members led by their co-chairs, Drs. Brandee Waite and Marcia Faustin. Through the support of the UC Davis Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OHEDI), they have had successful implementation of various events, aimed at connecting and improving the health of the community. The projects came to fruition after regular quarterly meetings to brainstorm ideas, create action plans and execute the vision. The IDARE committee is most proud of the work we have accomplished to connect and care for the community, inspire and teach students along with aiming at university level changes to improve the care of all our patients.
Projects
The projects include starting a musculoskeletal clinic day at the Imani medical student run free clinic, in the Oak Park area of Sacramento. This recurring Saturday has brought together a multidisciplinary health care team including, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physicians, Neurosurgeons, Orthopedist, Neuromuscular Disorder specialist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Prosthetist and Orthotist who care for the vulnerable populations, while mentoring and teaching undergraduate, medical students, residents and fellows. Based on the overwhelming success of these events, the IDARE team is working towards expanding the musculoskeletal days to the other UC Davis medical student run free clinics.
Another way the IDARE team has supported the medical student run free clinics is by creating a resource binder, with information from medical care access in the community, to social services support, in hopes to minimize the social determinants of health. The binder has been distributed to all of the clinics, and updated on a regular basis based on feedback from the clinic leaders.
Mentoring
Mentoring has been a strong focus of the committee, which has led to hosting a career day for the UC Davis undergraduates that are a part of the free medical student run clinic, Clinica Tepati. We were able to bring in specialist such as Pediatric PM&R specialist, pediatric ophthalmologist, therapist, primary care sports medicine doctors and orthotist, to discuss our career paths and answer the students questions. Representations matters, and having the ability to bring a diverse group of professionals inspires all of us to continue giving back.
We hosted the first Nth Dimensions PM&R medical student for a summer 2023 internship program, exposing her to all aspects of PM&R department. Along with caring for patients, she completed and presented a quality improvement (QI) project, participated in community service projects and we continued to provider her mentorship throughout her medical school career. We are excited to welcome the next Nth dimensions scholar for 2024.
What's next
Lastly, after a riveting grand rounds presentation by Dr. Lisa Merritt, enlightened us on the multitude of effects Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) on the clinical outcomes of vulnerable patients, the latest IDARE project is working with UC Davis Epic team and population health department, to standardize capturing the SDOH data within epic. The pilot project will provide collaborative lunch and learn sessions from primary care physicians, with aim to capture this critical data and find ways to improve care.
Clinica Tepati Career Presentation Panel, May 16, 2024
Come meet health professionals who will share the pathways and day-to-day duties of a variety of careers in health care. Hear from therapists, physicians, health administrative professionals, orthotic specialists and others who focus on improving physical health and rehabilitation.
Please RSVP by April 30, 2024. More information and RSVP.
Photos from the Imani Clinic Musculoskeletal Day
