The UNMC Division of Rheumatology and Immunology now offers its services at the SHARING Clinic, UNMC’s student-run free clinic that provides free or low-cost healthcare to underserved populations in the Omaha area.
Faculty from the division saw their first patients at the clinic in April. They will be scheduled quarterly on Tuesday nights in the Family Medicine SHARING Clinic on the third floor of the Durham Outpatient Center.
Rheumatology services at the clinic are led by Tina Mahajan, MD, assistant professor of rheumatology and immunology.
“At the clinic, we see patients with autoimmune conditions, in particular inflammatory arthritis,” she said. “There is a need for specialized care in patients with autoimmune disease but not everyone has access. We are trying to extend access to uninsured patients.”
Bryant England, MD, PhD, interim chief of the division of rheumatology and immunology, said he is grateful to his team for taking the initiative to add their services to the clinic schedule.
“We are delighted to offer rheumatology care in the SHARING Clinic to help the underserved in our community living with rheumatic diseases,” he said.
The SHARING (Student Health Alliance Reaching Indigent Needy Groups) Clinics are staffed by student providers from each of the academic disciplines at UNMC. This multidisciplinary approach provides comprehensive care for patients in need over the age of 18 and a learning environment for student providers. Faculty providers are present at all clinics to ensure each patient receives proper care.
Dr. Mahajan said staffing the clinic provides a rich learning experience for faculty, fellows and medical students.
“It’s organized and led by healthcare students across various disciplines, so it’s a valuable educational opportunity,” Dr. Mahajan said. “We see patients with medical students and physician assistant students, as well as pharmacy, occupational therapy and physical therapy students. The students not only learn from faculty and fellows but also from each other in an interprofessional setting.”
Rheumatology services at the SHARING Clinic will next be offered July 14. Learn more about the clinic and appointment scheduling.