INTD 4015 Humanism in Medicine

Course Director

Richard Usatine, M.D.

Course Description

This is a longitudinal 4th year elective to support and nourish the inherent altruism of our students.  This elective will bring together like-minded students and professionals who have a passion for caring for the medically underserved in our community.  The students will take a leadership role in managing and directing the Student-Run Free Clinics (Student-Faculty Collaborative Practice) under faculty supervision. Clinical experiences will be at these clinics where they will be working alongside students from the ELEC 5041 course.  The elective will include monthly seminars where professionals from the community will discuss social justice, healthcare for the homeless, addicts, and refugee population. Students will meet to discuss their experiences and on-going projects at one of these clinics. These projects will be presented to their peers at the end of the academic year.

Course Objectives

  • Provide medical service and compassionate care to vulnerable populations
  • Describe the responsibilities of running a clinic for the underserved
  • Discuss the value of community service in the life of a physician
  • Use reflection to deepen their understanding of the value of caring for others
  • Discuss the limitations of the current healthcare system
  • Advocate for improvements in our healthcare system

Course Requirements

  • 48 hours of clinical time at the Student-Run Free Clinics
  • Monthly class sessions
  • Student Projects

If you are interested in this course, please contact Iris Mast at masti@uthscsa.edu or humanities@uthscsa.edu.