At CommunityHealth, we are more than one of the nation’s largest volunteer-based free clinics; we are a training ground for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Across our four clinic locations, we partner with leading medical and academic institutions in the Chicagoland area to host training programs for students in different areas of health: medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dental hygiene, and more. These programs give trainees the opportunity to care for uninsured, underserved, and undocumented patients across 20+ specialties, often in the patients’ native languages.
Our compassionate and driven resident physicians, medical students, and other healthcare trainees represent the Future of Health, one rooted in empathy, cultural competency, and equity.
At CommunityHealth, training goes beyond clinical skills. We foster a deep commitment to ethical practice and long-term service to vulnerable communities. In this way, every student who passes through our doors leaves better prepared to provide high-quality, human-centered care.
Your support fuels these transformative programs and helps make our vision — Quality Health Care for All — a reality.
We are proud to collaborate with over 15 medical and academic institutions, including:
- Ascension St. Joseph Chicago Internal Medicine Residency Program
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University
- Chicago State University College of Pharmacy
- Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
- Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine
- Malcolm X College Dental Hygiene Program
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Rush Medical College
- Rush University College of Nursing
- Rush University Medical Center
- Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry
- UIC College of Pharmacy
- UIC School of Medicine
Volunteer Testimonies:
How has your experience at CommunityHealth influenced your journey as a health care provider?
I am constantly inspired witnessing and participating in the things that CommunityHealth accomplishes for people who come from disadvantaged situations, do not have insurance, and cannot afford the high price of healthcare. CommunityHealth has reinforced my passion never to accept less care for people who are less privileged. CommunityHealth shares my determination to do the right thing for patients who come from difficult circumstances, even though many places would deem their care too challenging or even impossible.”
– Amy Milroy, former CommunityHealth volunteer
“My experience at CommunityHealth had deepened my appreciation for direct patient care. The patients are amazing to work with and are very appreciative of the support we give them on their healthcare journey. The staff and resources that CommunityHealth provides consider the patient population that CommunityHealth serves and leverages that for the best outcome”
– David Monzon, former CommunityHealth volunteer
“I have really enjoyed my time a CommunityHealth. It has been one of my favorite parts of residency. I feel like my experience at CommunityHealth has really shown me that I would like to work with this patient population for the rest of my career. These patients are the most thoughtful, kind, and caring people, and it has been such an honor to work with them; as well as, all the staff and volunteers here who dedicate their lives to working with this patient population.”
– Rebecca Fitzpatrick, former CommunityHealth volunteer
What did you learn at CommunityHealth that you have not experienced anywhere else?
“As students and residents we are trainees, we are there to treat patients but also to learn. I’ve learned that the teacher is not just the chief resident or attending you are working with. Teachers can also be those who are learning along with you because it’s near impossible to know everything in medicine. But what I’ve learned is that the patient is also your teacher. You can run a test, check an x-ray, order a scan but if you take the time to listen, the patient will lead you to where you need to be to help them.”
– Susan Lopez, former CommunityHealth volunteer
“At CommunityHealth, I learned that patients are the center of the healthcare team. By working at this clinic, I saw the power of interprofessional collaboration and the strength that volunteering has in molding a provider’s practice. I had known about this clinic when I first started pharmacy school, and it has developed my thinking and how I want to practice pharmacy in the future. CommunityHealth is a valuable source for the community and trainees who wish to work with underserved and vulnerable communities.”
– Nilmarie Ayala Fontanez, former CommunityHealth volunteer
Can you share an anecdote with us from your time at CommunityHealth?
“One of my most memorable experiences at CommunityHealth was what started as a basic follow-up appointment turning into a meaningful appointment about the importance of mental health. During my shift on Saturday a patient came in for a routine check-up and a medication refill, in talking to her she seemed very sad and I asked if there was anything else that was on her mind and if she was doing okay. She looked like she was waiting for someone to ask her this and we had a conversation about how COVID is impacting her work and her living situations, and she felt overwhelmed beyond words. The focus shifted from her physical to mental health and I was able to ask her how we at CommunityHealth can help her. Thankfully on that day, we had a social services liaison that was there on-site and it took her help to make sure this patient got the help she needed. The doctor I was working with was also proactive about getting her medication for her anxiety and depression until she was further evaluated. It drove home the need for many types of health providers to meet the needs of one patient and I am so grateful CommunityHealth is a place a patient can get access to those resources.”
– Malavika Prakasan, former CommunityHealth volunteer
“In early 2021, when the COVID vaccines became available for patients at CommunityHealth, I was a vaccinator at some of the large-scale community events CommunityHealth hosted. The hope, energy, and joy that I experienced on those days was beyond anything I have ever experienced and I know it will be one of the memories that stays with me throughout the rest of my life.”
– Gabriela Betancourt, former CommunityHealth volunteer
The future of health is care that is inclusive, community-informed, and led by providers who reflect the populations they serve. Thank you for supporting CommunityHealth as we train the leaders of tomorrow. If you would like to donate to Future of Health, visit CommunityHealth: Future of Health 2025` | GiveGab