“During the pre-clinical years of medical school, it is easy to bury yourself in books and never see an actual patient. Volunteering at The Free Clinic allowed me the opportunity to help those in need, which is at the heart of medicine. This experience reinforced the skills I was learning in medical school while providing much-needed health care to an underserved population. Through volunteering, I gained a better understanding of the roles of interdisciplinary care between different organizations such as social work and pharmacy. The sense of community and camaraderie that permeated from The Free Clinic enhanced an already extraordinary experience.”

Robert Wallette is a third-year medical student in Odessa, Texas and is from Abilene, Texas. He attended Texas Tech University for his undergraduate education where he earned a degree in Biology.