Making a Difference: The Free Clinic Extraordinary Volunteers
I volunteer at The Free Clinic because I really value helping underserved patient
populations and contributing where there is a need. Also, wanting to be a doctor and
see patients, I felt that The Free Clinic was great for getting experience in the
field that I wanted to go into. I always loved shadowing even before medical school,
but The Free Clinic is like a step-up from shadowing. I also like the teaching aspect
of the clinic, because I am in a position to mentor students. Overall, I feel it has
given me, from the beginning of medical school, a taste of what residency is going
to be like.
Nothing can beat the time when I was able to diagnose a problem and had to send a
patient directly to the emergency room. If the team had not diagnosed the person,
I honestly believe that person could have died shortly thereafter. This first experience
of putting my medical training to such good use will stay with me.
I have learned how to practice medicine at The Free Clinic. I haven't had any other
experience that has given me the freedom to figure out patient care and not just following
instructions. The experience has given me confidence that I can be a practicing physician.
Abigail Buckholz, is a fourth-year medical student from Carlsbad, New Mexico. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences: neuroscience, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, with minors in music and chemistry. She plans to compete a double residency in psychiatry and internal medicine or family medicine.
Related Stories
How Does Your Garden Grow?
As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.
Adopt a Growth Mindset for a Better Life
A “growth mindset” accepts that our intelligence and talents can develop over time, and a person with that mindset understands that intelligence and talents can improve through effort and learning.
Drug Use, Family History Can Lead to Heart Disease in Younger Adults
Abstaining from drug abuse and an early diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) can help prevent heart disease.
Recent Stories
PAs and Telehealth: Increasing Access to Patient Care
The PA profession and telehealth were both created to improve and expand access to patient care. PA Abby Buterbaugh discussed the value that her profession and telehealth has brought to health care.
Food Allergy Awareness, Prevention Ahead of Summer Fun
James Tarbox, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians allergist, discussed food allergies and treatments.
National Academy of Inventors Ranks Texas Tech University System Among Top 100 in Patents for Second Consecutive Year
The TTU System, including the TTUHSC and TTUHSC El Paso, ranked 74th on the NAI list of Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents for 2023.