A homeless shelter medical clinic organized and staffed by family practice residents.

A medical clinic was organized in a homeless shelter to help address the health care needs of the homeless population in a small California city. A second-year family practice resident, together with two community nurses and a local family practitioner, organized and staffed the clinic. After the first winter of operation, family practice residents on their own initiative took over the management of the clinic. The clinic serves the needs of the clients in the homeless shelter, provides family practice residents an opportunity to work independently of the residency program, and offers a sought-after experience in caring for the underserved.