At Texas Christian University’s School of Medicine students develop empathy, cultural competency and social awareness while contributing to the quality of life of residents in historically underserved neighborhoods. The model, designed to promote sustainable partnerships, assigns students to a local neighborhood on Day 1 and creates opportunities for them to stay engaged throughout their medical training. Community leaders were approached early on and asked to provide guidance to staff, faculty and students regarding strengths and challenges of their neighborhoods, as well as their vision of a productive campus-community partnership. They provide guidance as students move from understanding their community to proposing health-related solutions. After four years, 240 students, representing four cohorts, have been assigned to one of three neighborhoods and have worked to promote health equity and community well-being, culminating in capstone service-learning projects. They have spearheaded various short and long-term initiatives, benefiting hundreds of community members, from material goods donated through drives (e.g., school supplies, winter clothing, uniforms, tennis shoes, books, hygienic products) to information provided during community fairs, and educational workshops on important issues such as gun safety, mental health, and menstruation. Residents have started to regard the School of Medicine as a constant presence in their communities, as students attend community events year-round, mentor at local schools and serve at health clinics locally. The medical students have been introduced to a model that emphasizes reciprocity and listening to community members, growing as empathetic healers who will promote equity in their communities, wherever their practice takes them.

Rosangela Boyd, Ph.D.
Director, Service-Learning and Academic Initiatives
Leadership and Student Involvement ,  Texas Christian University



Bill West, M.A.
Service-Learning Associate
Leadership and Student Involvement ,  Texas Christian University



Marybeth Mercatoris, Ph.D.
Director of Student Affairs
Burnett School of Medicine,  Texas Christian University



Ric Bonnell, M.D.
Assistant Professor and Director of Service-Learning and Community Engagement
Burnett School of Medicine,  Texas Christian University



Erin Nelson, PSY.D
Associate Professor of Medical Education and Preparation for Practice
Burnett School of Medicine,  Texas Christian University



Stacy Landreth Grau, Ph.D.
Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Associate Professor of Medical Education
Neeley School of Business & Burnett School of Medicine,  Texas Christian University



Korie Hawkins, M.S.
Assistant Director of Admissions, Outreach and Community Engagement
Burnett School of Medicine,  Texas Christian University



Carol Brown
Executive Director
Como Lions Heart, Inc



Clara Kirby, ABD/MBL/MSL
Coordinator
Como Community Center, Fort Worth



Terrence Butler
Vice-President of Development
Academy 4



Nakia Cole
Coordinator V, Family Action Center
Equity and Excellence Division,  Fort Worth Independent School District



Carlos L. Walker, Sr., Ed.D.
Director of Family Action Center
Equity and Excellence Division,  Fort Worth Independent School District



Rickie Clark
Speaker, Author, Educational Consultant and Executive Director
My Brother's Keeper,  Fort Worth Independent School District



Roxanne Martinez
President of Diamond Hill & Northside Youth Association and Elected Member of Board of Trustees
District 9,  Fort Worth Independent School District



Juan Daniel “Danny“ Garcia, MA, CHW
Manager of Community Marketing Health Plan
Cook Children’s Healthcare System

Our team would like to acknowledge all the students who have contributed to this initiative and all the staff and faculty who have mentored them throughout the process. We also thank the school administration and donors for supporting our endeavors. We are most grateful for the community members who have trusted us to come into them neighborhoods, and for all the lessons they have taught us.