40 Years of Free Medical Care
The College of Nursing maintains a longstanding partnership with The Free Medical Clinic in Columbia, offering our students enriching opportunities in outpatient clinic settings. Dr. Maggie Selph, assistant professor, highlights how this collaboration perfectly embodies the College's mission to prepare graduates who “Care, Inspire, and Lead.” She emphasizes the invaluable experience for students, particularly Nurse Practitioner candidates, in understanding how health care intersects with social determinants of health (SDOH) such as economic hardships, low health literacy, and access barriers. Selph finds working at the clinic deeply fulfilling, noting the resilience of the patients and the privilege of assisting them in navigating the complexities of the health care system.
When asking to describe a typical day at the clinic, Selph says, “You truly never know what kind of day it will be – there can be very sick patients who walk through the door at any minute and who need to be transported to an ED, or there can be days when everything is straightforward. The team at the Free Clinic is wonderful to work with – everyone who is there working or volunteering wants to be there to support the members of our community who are in need – and that makes for a wonderful work environment!”
Just like the team at The Free Clinic, the patients warmly embrace the college’s students as well – fostering engaged and meaningful interactions during visits. The clinic environment allows ample time for teaching, ensuring students get the maximum benefit from patient encounters. As a preceptor, Selph enjoys investing in each student's development, guiding their clinical reasoning and fostering confidence through observation and feedback.
The Free Clinic in town provides a wide range of essential health care services including primary care such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. For more specialized needs, the clinic offers limited on-site specialty care by appointment, covering areas like cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gynecology and more. Medications and diabetic supplies are available, with the clinic adhering to strict guidelines that exclude controlled substances. Patient education is a priority, ensuring individuals are empowered with knowledge about their health. Referrals are provided for laboratory work, x-rays, diagnostic testing, and further specialty care through partners like Prisma Health and Lexington Medical Center.
The Free Medical Clinic in Columbia is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. This clinic is the only one in the area with an on-site pharmacy along with on-site specialty care for those in need. Located at 1875 Harden Street, the clinic is open Monday – Friday. Find out more about their services and resources available.