The Mobile Outreach Clinic (MOC) staff were invited to attend the 2024 Primary Care Innovation event on Friday, March 22, at the Harrell Medical Education Center on the UF campus. Established in 2017, the Primary Care Innovation Conference has served as a vital platform for collaboration among health professionals aimed at enhancing the quality of primary care in Florida. To learn more visit: Primary Care Innovations » College of Medicine » University of Florida (ufl.edu)
The keynote speaker, Dr. Lydia Dugdale, MD, MAR, addressed the moral wounds in medicine, emphasizing the risks of dehumanization and burnout when primary care providers face time constraints in meeting patients’ needs. Dr. Dugdale underscored the importance of preserving one’s moral compass to prevent moral injury and foster a community of outreach and humanization. To learn more about the work of Dr. Dugdale, visit: Lydia S. Dugdale, MD | Division of General Medicine (columbia.edu)
Throughout the day, various presentations from primary care providers and volunteers showcased innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. Notably, the Homeless Outreach and Street Medicine program, a student-run initiative, offers primary care services to the homeless of Alachua County weekly. The program’s volunteers demonstrate remarkable dedication by traveling on foot to reach individuals living on the streets, equipped with medical supplies and a commitment to building trust and rapport with this vulnerable community. To learn more about this program and learn how you can support it please visit: Street Medicine | GraceHealthcs.org
In conclusion, the 2024 Primary Care Innovation event served as a beacon of collaboration and enlightenment for the Mobile Outreach Clinic (MOC) staff. It is evident that events like these are instrumental in addressing healthcare disparities and educating staff with the latest methods to provide comprehensive care for patients while not neglecting themselves.