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

Medical Service Learning

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

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. As one of the largest cities in Indiana, Fort Wayne offers a wealth of service opportunities.

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 the fundraising efforts of the organization.

This free medical clinic provides care for people who are uninsured and make less than 200 percent of the poverty level. Medical students assist in the clinic, positively impacting community members.

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.

Through this not-for-profit organization, medical students can provide support for children, teens and their families who have suffered the death of a loved one.

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.