Service learning is encouraged for students on the Northwest-Gary campus to serve as advocates for the health and well-being of the community.

Medical Service Learning

Participation in medical service learning programs supplement and enhance medical education with real-world community engagement. All IU School of Medicine students have an opportunity to participate in a broad range of medical service learning experiences, including curricular and co-curricular programs. As part of the school’s mission, educators and mentors emphasize a public responsibility for medical students to serve as advocates for the health and well-being of the community.

While each IU School of Medicine campus offers different medical service learning opportunities for the local community, these innovative experiences are part of a larger organization and commitment that encompasses all elements of the school’s medical education program.

Get Involved

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

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Local Programs in Gary

  • Habitat for Humanity
    Medical students work with Habitat for Humanity throughout the year, building community ties and helping others in need.
  • Student Leadership Mentoring Program
    In this program, second-year medical students mentor first-year medical students. Second-year medical students learn about mentoring and stress-management techniques through the the American Psychological Association’s “Introduction to Mentoring.” Second-year medical students learn about stress management techniques, study techniques and balancing wellness in medical school from their second-year mentors.
  • Student to Student Program What is a Disability
    First- and second-year students at the Gary campus visit Eads Elementary School in Munster, Indiana, to speak with K-5 students about specific topics such as the meaning of a disability, types of disabilities and how to treat others who have different needs.

MD students in Gary joined the Indiana Department of Health and National Guard to administer COVID-19 vaccines at a clinic on the campus of IU-Northwest in 2021.


gary md students at a covid vaccine clinic in 2021