IDEA clinic

Founded in 2016, the IDEA Exchange is one of our five student-run free clinics with it’s mission focused on patient-centered care for people who inject drugs (PWID). This unique initiative provides new syringes in exchange for used ones, recognizing the marginalized nature of PWID and their challenges in accessing quality healthcare. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to harm reduction and prevention, aiming to mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with injection drug use.

The DOCS IDEA Clinic, operating every Thursday at 3 pm, extends its primary goal beyond needle exchange to deliver comprehensive wound care to participants enrolled in the program. Our clinic delivers a spectrum of additional services, including incision and drainage of skin abscesses, HIV and Hepatitis C screening, Sexual Health Treatment, Women’s Care with a focus on birth control, MOUD Consultations & Refills, and Trauma-Informed Psychological Care.

Beyond the clinical services, the DOCS IDEA Clinic serves as a dynamic learning environment for students. Here, students are given the opportunity to practice their clinical skills, cultivate empathy, and promote culturally competent care. This clinic is designed to further with the overarching mission of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine — to graduate physicians equipped with the ability and desire to improve the health of all populations. Through their leadership in patient care, research, education, healthcare administration, and community engagement, our students contribute to alleviating suffering and eliminating healthcare disparities.

Students, please click here to register for Clinic dates

Every Thursday at 3 pm

Address: 1668 NW 7th Ave [The Shipping Containers]

Resources for volunteers:

Are you a physician interested in volunteering? Please email Professional Liaison, Soobin (Serena) Lee (ssl109@med.miami.edu)

Are you a medical student interested in volunteering? Please email Student Liaison, Khushi Shah (khs55@med.miami.edu)

Staff:

Project Manager: Monica Bahamon (m.bahamon@med.miami.edu)

Professional Liaison: Soobin (Serena) Lee (ssl109@med.miami.edu)

Logistics Coordinator: Karen Zhang (kxz324@med.miami.edu)

Quality Improvement Coordinator: Ryan Hood (rth78@med.miami.edu)

Student Liaison: Khushi Shah (khs55@med.miami.edu)

Patient Relations: Baylee Brochu (bayleebrochu@med.miami.edu)

Telehealth Coordinators: Victoria Vo (vxv814@med.miami.edu), Marisela Neff (mdn477@med.miami.edu)

Anyone needing special assistance, please make arrangements by registering your special needs by calling (305) 243-4898 or emailing  docs@med.miami.edu