After seeing patients present to our local hospitals with advanced stage gynecologic cancers we realized that much of this significant disease could be prevented if uninsured women had access to gynecologic care. As a result, we founded Share the Health to provide gynecologic specialty care to uninsured women. While other organizations will continue to provide screening exams, family planning, and
primary care, we will serve as a free consultative clinic that diagnoses precancerous and cancerous conditions and treats gynecologic pathology including benign and precancerous conditions. Share the Health has been established as an independent organization, supported by community members representing many local outreach groups, and coordinated by students. Involving students in all levels of clinic operations and patient care has the power to increase medical student exposure to and interest in gynecology. In addition, it provides undergraduate, business, law, and medical students an opportunity to serve those of greatest need in our community. As a result, Share the Health will provide much needed gynecologic services to improve the health status of our community today and cultivate future professionals of all disciplines who will ensure these services remain available for years to come. It will also serve as a model that can be replicated across specialties and across the state and nation.
