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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Bloomington Campus

Medical Service Learning

All students are encouraged to engage in medical service learning experiences as members of the community. Through service experiences, educators and mentors emphasize medical students’ responsibility to serve as advocates for the health and well-being of the community. A broad range of service learning experiences are available statewide, and these curricular and co-curricular programs supplement and enhance medical education with real-world community engagement.

Each IU School of Medicine campus offers different medical service learning opportunities for the local community, and these innovative experiences are part of a larger organization and commitment that encompasses all elements of the school’s medical education program. IU School of Medicine—Bloomington is home to the Gender Diverse and Queer Clinic, a student-run clinic for uninsured and underinsured patients. Students also partner with numerous community organizations, including Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington, Shalom Community Center and Jill’s House Memory Care.

Get Involved

Connect with IU School of Medicine for opportunities to get involved with community engagement and service learning programs.

Medical Service Learning Programs in Bloomington

Gender Diverse and Queer Clinic

The Gender Diverse and Queer Clinic (GDQC) provides free care to patients who are uninsured or underinsured, with a focus on safe and affirming primary care for LGBTQ+ patients. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting, working alongside licensed health professionals from IU Health. Through this experience, students learn to provide competent and compassionate care for diverse populations, while also contributing to leadership committees that support clinic operations, strengthen community connections and expand education.

The GDQC currently operates one Sunday per month to help address the need for LGBTQ+-affirming care in South Central Indiana, while also offering services to all members of the community. Available services include preventive care, mental health support, harm reduction, sexually transmitted infection testing and referrals to Indianapolis-based gender services, as well as connections to housing resources, substance use services and gender-affirming community organizations.

For further information, please contact gdqc@iu.edu.