Our education team met with Doorways, a non-profit community partner that hosted students for a key component of their clerkship.
HEJ is a part of the Gateway Curriculum and is designed to help students explore how social and structural challenges impact health outcomes. Doorways was an ideal site for this experience, as it’s the only agency in our area dedicated to providing HIV housing and supportive services.
Maria, their volunteer coordinator, gave a thoughtful overview of Doorways’ programs and mission. Following the introduction, the group toured several areas of the facility, including administrative offices, staff kitchen spaces, housing areas for clients, and a bright, inviting community food pantry that serves both Doorways clients and the broader community.
After the tour, the group transitioned to Elliot Place, an independent housing site with a meeting room where the students had time to reflect and create. They were asked to draw on both their clinical and classroom experiences to design ideas that could support the populations served by Doorways.
This was no small ask for the group of 22 students, but they immediately jumped into action, collaborating in teams and producing meaningful work. Most used the school supplies, but a few went digital. Notably:
- Ben Boros and Simon Sarafinovska created a six-page brochure on their laptop that highlights Doorways’ services, including specific supports for families with children and expectant mothers.
- Michael Lin developed a flyer on the importance of pap smears, complete with a QR code linking to the CDC’s cervical cancer resource page.
The clerkship team is grateful for positive attitudes, reflection, and community learning opportunities.
