Medical Service Learning

Medical service learning supplements and enhances medical education with real-world community engagement. Indiana University School of Medicine students, including Fort Wayne students, have an opportunity to and are encouraged to participate in a broad range of service learning experiences. Through service programs, educators and mentors emphasize medical students’ responsibility to serve as advocates for the health and well-being of the community.

As one of the largest cities in Indiana, Fort Wayne offers a wide variety of service learning opportunities, including the Matthew 25 Student Outreach Clinic. The Student Outreach Clinic operates on the first Tuesday of each month and serves the medical and dental needs of the underserved populations of Allen County along with 13 other counties in northeast Indiana and northwestern Ohio. Active participation in health care for the benefit of the local community under supervision from licensed physicians provides a meaningful service learning opportunity that directly relates to medical education.

Fort Wayne Student Outreach Clinic

Get Involved

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

Local Programs

Matthew 25 provides health and dental services to the underserved population of Allen County and 13 other counties in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. The Student Outreach Clinic takes place in the evening, expanding access to medical care for people who have a difficult time accessing care during work hours. Medical students are invited to assist in the clinic as well as serve on committees that provide assistance for fundraising efforts of the organization.

Through Erin’s House, medical students provide support for children, teens and their families who have suffered from the death of a loved one. Students volunteer to facilitate activities to help children and families talk about their grief and aid them on their healing journey.

The Little River Wetlands Project was founded in 1990 as a non-profit with the purpose of restoring and protecting the native watershed associated with the Little River in Fort Wayne. This service learning opportunity combines community service with an opportunity to be outdoors.

This nationally recognized regional food bank serves the northeast Indiana region. The food bank’s mission is to be a dynamic, responsive and charitable leader in the effort to alleviate hunger in the area. Medical students can participate in service learning opportunities at this site to engage with the community health and needs.

This faith-based, not-for-profit organization provides restorative care to men, women and children experiencing homeless crises. Rescue Mission serves Fort Wayne, Allen County and its nine surrounding counties. Service learning activities include assisting at sites that provide housing and nourishment to clients as well as partnering with the fundraising efforts needed for the operations of the program.

This not-for-profit organization provides compassionate care to alleviate suffering for individuals affected by serious illness. The Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home provides hospice care in patients’ residences and also offers a Community Grief Center to serve grieving adults in the community. Medical students can assist with the services provided by health care professionals through the program.