Making a Difference: the Free Clinic Extraordinary Volunteers

Paul Duggan, volunteer at the free clinic for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

"I chose to pursue a career in medicine because each day presents with novel challenges and problems that when solved correctly can make a significant impact in someone’s life. The Free Clinic is an incredibly unique place that gives me the opportunity as a second-year medical student to take the information that I’ve learned in class and use it to make a difference in my community.

A good friend convinced me to go along with him to volunteer at The Free Clinic. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve gone back almost every week since. I also had the pleasure of meeting a lot of great people at the clinic that I now consider lifelong friends.

My best experience at The Free Clinic was helping a patient who due to his uncontrolled diabetes had lost his job, his house, and his reason for living. By helping him manage his diabetes and writing a note to his previous employer, I was able to help him reestablish himself.

After a stressful week of studying, treating patients at The Free Clinic reminds me of why I chose to study medicine, and reassures me that I have what it takes to be a great doctor."

Paul Duggan is a second-year medical student from San Antonio. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Honors Arts and Letters from Texas Tech University.

Related Stories

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Rural Adolescents

Leigh Ann Reel, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A, discussed the causes and prevention strategies for noise-induced hearing loss, particularly for adolescents in rural areas.

Willed Body Memorial Service Honors Those Who Donated

On Memorial Day each May, a service is conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institute of Anatomical Sciences to pay respect to the Willed Body Program donors and their families.

Molecular Pathology Preceptorship: Unmatched Value and Experience

Ericka Hendrix, PhD, MB(ASCP)CM, Program Director and Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program in the School of Health Professions spoke about the program’s preceptorship.

Recent Stories

Health

Legislative Support Strengthens Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Efforts to Improve Rural Cancer Care

Support for TTUHSC continued in the 89th legislative session, including $25 million to establish the Rural Cancer Collaborative.

Education

TTUHSC’s Affordable Medical Education Empowers West Texas Students to Serve

On Friday, July 25, students marked a defining moment in their journey at the White Coat Ceremony, symbolizing not only the start of their medical education but also their dedication to the communities that shaped them.

Research

Transformative, Collaborative Gift to Accelerate Research on Urinary Tract Infections

Eliese Teasdale recently made a $975,000 gift to the TTUHSC School of Nursing to support ongoing research focusing on detection and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.