Evan Patel, a 2023-2024 Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellow and Rush University Medical Student, is being celebrated for his remarkable dedication to addressing healthcare disparities among marginalized communities. Together with Dr. Ashok Jagasia and a dedicated team, Evan embarked on an initiative to provide critical medical care to homeless and migrant populations in Chicago.
Their impactful project recently gained recognition in a Huffington Post article, shedding light on the profound impact of their efforts in improving access to healthcare for underserved individuals.
“I was fortunate to first meet Dr. Jagasia six years ago when I was pursuing my undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois and worked with him as a medical scribe,” shared Evan Patel. “Although I did not know much about the field of otolaryngology, Dr. Jagasia provided me with guidance and mentorship which has helped me further my career as a future physician.”
The initiative began in 2020 when Evan and Dr. Jagasia started providing care at a homeless shelter, which soon expanded to include numerous shelters for migrants and the unhoused population across Chicago. Throughout medical school, Evan continued to assist Dr. Jagasia in providing direct care and participating in related research projects.
Evan’s Schweitzer Fellowship project, The CURE Clinic, evolved as a natural extension of this work. CURE, or “The Center for the Underserved at Rush ENT,” addresses disparities uncovered through research. The CURE Clinic, now an official Rush student organization, boasts a team of over 15 volunteer students, two nurses, two audiologists, and an orthopedic surgeon, greatly expanding the scope of care provided to those in need.
“All of the scholarly and service projects I have described have only been possible because of the unwavering support and dedication that Dr. Jagasia has demonstrated through his mentorship,” expressed Evan. “Under his guidance, I have become a more well-rounded student, scientist, and advocate for those in need.”
Evan’s commitment to transformative healthcare advocacy serves as an inspiration to many. To learn more about Evan’s inspiring work, check out the full article here.