( continued from page 11) and managing patient flow.
· Graduate students from nursing, public health and social work will enrich the clinic’ s services with their specialized training, providing health education, resource navigation and public health screening.
· Licensed physicians and APPs will supervise all clinical activities, offering mentorship without an overwhelming administrative burden.
Discussions are ongoing with the Greater Louisville Medical Society and local residency programs to expand the pool of physician volunteers. Efforts are also underway to involve nursing faculty and offer community service credit to resident physicians, strengthening sustainability and community ties.
Scope of Services: Meeting Essential Needs
The clinic’ s services are carefully tailored to meet the most urgent health care needs of its target population. The focus is on basic, preventive and screening care, complemented by robust health education and referral support.
Services will include:
· Basic physical exams
· Cardiovascular and cancer screenings
· Acute workup
· Vaccinations( in collaboration with the Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness Department)
· Mental health and health disparity screening
· Maternal health resources and education( in collaboration with the Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness Department)
· Health literacy promotion
· Referrals to primary care homes and social services
· Distribution of essential medical supplies through partnership with SOS International
Importantly, the clinic will not serve as a long-term primary care home, but as an accessible entry point to the broader health care system for those facing systemic barriers. The“ direction” of Cardinal Direction emphasizes our role in providing a conduit to care that specifically tailors an individual’ s next steps to what is most appropriate and most feasible for their unique circumstances.
Building for the Future: Sustainability and Growth
The Cardinal Direction Clinic is committed to sustainable, long-term impact. A dynamic leadership structure among students will allow for smooth transitions year-to-year, ensuring operational continuity while inviting fresh perspectives and ideas. Strong partnerships— with community organizations, UofL departments and local health care providers— will form the backbone of the clinic’ s resilience. On top of this, working with over 30 community partners has yielded invaluable insight into working with the underserved and correct outlets for various aspects of care. This collaborative network will help the clinic evolve with the needs of the community, ensuring it remains a vital, relevant resource for years to come.
A Call to Action: Partner in Progress
The Cardinal Direction Clinic offers a powerful opportunity to address health inequities in Louisville while shaping the future of medical education. We invite physician volunteers to lend their time and expertise, mentoring dedicated students and ensuring high-quality patient care. All resources, insights and time are welcome – we invite you to play a role in making this not just an opportunity but a testament to the impact of collaboration in our city’ s medical landscape. If you have any questions or desire to be part of our mission, you can contact Caden Seraphine( Clinic Director) at cjsera01 @ louisville. edu, or Dr. Jamaal Richie, MD( Supervising Faculty) at jamaal. richie @ louisville. edu for more information. Your support will help build a stronger, healthier community and inspire the next generation of compassionate healthcare leaders. Together, we can create lasting change for a more equitable and vibrant Louisville.
Additional thanks to Abigail Bohn, Warren Van Nort and Camden Horelick, rising second-year medical students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, for their contributions to this article and the Cardinal Directions Clinic.
Caden Seraphine, Theodora Zavos and Sanjana Nasta are rising second-year medical students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and directing development of the Cardinal Direction Clinic initiative.
Dr. Richie is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine and a Family Medicine physician at UofL Health. He currently directs the GLOH and HOPE clinics at the School of Medicine.
Students will receive specialized training at the ULSOM Paris Simulation Center to ensure they are well-prepared to deliver culturally sensitive, effective care. Ongoing community needs assessments will inform the evolution of the clinic’ s services, ensuring that it remains responsive and impactful.
12 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE