AT THE ROUND TABLE : Dr . Natalie Rodriguez , ' 99 , MD ' 05 ( left ) reviews the rundown board for the evening with a group of medical students , while others fill patient prescriptions .
“ This place sustained me ,” says Rodriguez . “ I met patients that reminded me of my grandma , and physicians who were serving the kinds of communities I wanted to serve . I was offered support that I couldn ’ t find elsewhere , and it cemented my heart to the free clinic .”
Rodriguez was later accepted into UC San Diego School of Medicine , where she now teaches students as an associate clinical professor . Her philosophy has inspired many students to serve their own communities after medical school . For example , Acosta II is now a member of the PRIME-Health Equity program at the medical school , which trains students to address health disparities . He plans to use his degree to improve health care access in Native American communities like his own .
SPOTLIGHT ON
Dr . Sussi Yamaguchi , ’ 03
Dr . Sussi Yamaguchi first volunteered at the free clinic as an undergraduate at UC San Diego .
“ I was shadowing a dentist at this very clinic when he provided dentures to a homeless patient . The patient was so happy and kept hugging his dentist , and I thought , ‘ I want to do that when I finish dental school ,’” she says .
For the last 16 years , Yamaguchi has served as the dental clinical director at the clinic . She typically sees five patients a night , often treating cases of cavities and tooth loss .
“ Dental care is so expensive , but oral health is an important part of overall health ,” she says . “ We also recognize that a person ’ s smile can contribute to their socioeconomic success , so it ’ s been really meaningful to help our patients receive these services . I still get that warm , fuzzy feeling every night I ’ m here .”
ALL SMILES : The dental team , led by Dr . Sussi Yamaguchi ' 03 , offers free dental care for patients who do not qualify for other healthcare programs or resources .
As the free clinic continues to treat patients and train the next generation of health professionals , Rodriguez is starting to set her sights on its future .
“ We couldn ’ t do what we do without the support of local donors , community partners and medical volunteers ,” she says . But beyond the ongoing needs for services and supplies , Rodriguez says the ultimate dream is to open a dedicated free clinic facility — one with a patient waiting room , private exam rooms , and expanded specialty services . Rodriguez hopes the recent recognition from the AAMC will help inspire further support for these goals .
“ This award isn ’ t just a win for me — it ’ s a win for the patients and students , too . It ’ s a recognition that this work , this mission and these people all matter . I see it as inspiration to do more and greater things .”
Learn more about UC San Diego ’ s Student-Run Free Clinic Project at tritonmag . com / freeclinic
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