two students who recognized the need for a program that would make a difference in the commu- nity. During its nearly 25 years, more than 500 medical and health professions students, faculty, staff and community members have volunteered their service. Through HIPHOP members enhance their health education and communica- tion skills, learn about the social and medical needs of local under- served populations, and gain valuable community-oriented primary care experience. HIPHOP has evolved into an umbrella program with two major initiatives: Outreach Project (HIPHOP) students to gain knowledge of health disparities and become involved with providing care to underserved communities. First- through third-year medical students may provide health workshops to community organi- zations, shadow community health physicians, or participate in hands-on training in providing culturally competent, compas- sionate care. Students may also- volunteer at community health events. Activities are derived to in- still patient and family centered values in our medical and health professions students while provid- ing much needed services to the at-risk populations we learn from and serve. of a local community organiza- tion, all of whom lack health insurance. Patients of the Promise Clinic are placed with a team of students in all four years of training allowing for continuity of care as students follow the same patient through- out their school career. The student-doctors are responsible for every aspect of their patient's care, including scheduling follow- up appointments, addressing their patient's issues at scheduled appointments and presenting their patient to the volunteer supervising physicians. All patient services are free including medicine and laboratory tests. Recently, an interdisciplinary team of health profession students and trained interpreters has been implemented into the patient care team. Ultimately, the Promise Clinic combines the efforts of academic medicine with those of a community social service organization to educate students about health disparities and provide an underserved population with access to primary care. |