In July 2024, University of Cincinnati (UC) students orchestrated a free healthcare clinic in Cincinnati, providing essential medical services to those in need. The initiative, led by Vishwa Ramu and Rishi Gabbita from UC’s College of Medicine, was part of the Remote Area Medical (RAM) program, an international volunteer organization offering free healthcare services through pop-up clinics.
The two-day clinic, held at St. Xavier High School, served 235 patients and provided over $155,000 worth of services. Volunteers offered a range of medical care, including dental procedures, vision exams, general check-ups, and HIV testing. The event brought together more than 200 volunteers, including UC students, local healthcare professionals, and participants from other RAM chapters.
Ramu and Gabbita’s involvement with RAM began with volunteer experiences at clinics in other states. Inspired by these experiences, they founded the Cincinnati chapter of RAM and spent over a year planning the local clinic. Their efforts included securing a venue, arranging accommodations for volunteers, fundraising, and promoting the event to the public.
The success of the clinic highlighted the widespread need for accessible healthcare, not just in remote areas but also in urban communities. Gabbita reflected on this realization, noting the prevalence of healthcare access issues in his own community.
Both Ramu and Gabbita plan to pursue careers in medicine, with their experiences in organizing and participating in RAM clinics solidifying their commitment to addressing healthcare disparities.
“I am motivated to do even more as I become a physician and help at these clinics and beyond to ensure that those in need can receive care,” Ramu said in an interview with UC News.
Read the full article by Richard Puff for UC News: UC students organize free health clinic to help the community: UC chapter of Remote Area Medical helps uninsured patients obtain care
Watch the video about the clinic from WLWT Cincinatti: