Education

The centerpiece of Women of Means educational initiative 'The Partnership for Free Health Care for Homeless Women' educates nursing students, medical students and physicians-in-training about the medical needs and health consequences of poverty and homelessness.

The interdisciplinary training program has become a popular elective for students, and is held collaboratively with the Regis College Center for Health Sciences and Harvard Medical School. Under the supervision of Women of Means Medical Director and Regis faculty, the students work together as part of a team. A physician's assistant with a specialty in podiatry offers additional training

Originally held solely at Rosie's Place, a sanctuary for poor and homeless women, the training program is expanding to other shelter sites.

The following statement offers a medical resident's perspective on her training experience:

"Spending time at Rosie's Place reminded me of how vitally important it is to listen to our patients' whole history, not just the illness that is in the presenting complaint. Thinking about what it means if they [patients] say they "are staying with a friend", really listening to their story, who they are. I think one of the most important themes I left Rosie's Place with was the importance of providing a safe environment and relationship for patients so that they can share without fear and we can best help them by being well informed about their situation."