Empower the community with care.

The education of both our volunteers and patients is of utmost priority at Clínica Tepati. Our volunteers are given the opportunity to maintain contact with the community while gaining first-hand clinical experience that will aid them in their future professional endeavors. Volunteers learn sensitivity towards the needs of the underserved and learn what it means to serve underprivileged populations. Undergraduate volunteers are given the opportunity to shadow medical students who serve as teachers and mentors. Undergraduates are encouraged to ask questions, to delve into the science of medicine, as well as observe the art of providing patient-centered care. Similarly, medical students seek the guidance of volunteer preceptors who are familiar with the ailments and treatments of the populations we serve. Together, they develop an appropriate plan tailored for each patient. Throughout clinic Saturdays, discussion among volunteers and preceptors is encouraged and welcomed because it is only by learning how to provide the best possible care can we truly be able to do so. We seek to build a foundation for all our volunteers that will allow them to return to underserved communities because they have learned how to most effectively meet their needs.

The education of our patients is of even higher importance. Each Saturday, we provide informational classes to our patients to teach them how to lead healthier lifestyles, focusing on diet and exercise. We also seek to provide information on Covered CA eligibility by hosting workshops as well as one-on-one appointments. Similar services are provided for immigration questions through our law clinic. In this manner, we hope to educate patients on their rights and eligibility. Ultimately, we are interested in providing a holistic education to our patients that seeks to empower them in all aspects of their lives.