Primary Care Training and Enhancement -- Residency Training in Street Medicine - The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/UPMC seeks funding through the Primary Care Training and Enhancement: Residency Training in Primary Care and Street Medicine (PCTE-RTSM) program to establish a robust, interprofessional training initiative for physicians to provide comprehensive care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Our proposed project will enhance primary care residency training by integrating street medicine principles, equipping trainees with the skills to deliver high-quality care in non-traditional settings, and fostering a deeper understanding of social determinants of health. Needs and Population Served: Homelessness is a critical public health crisis, with individuals experiencing disproportionate rates of chronic illness, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. Traditional healthcare models often fail to meet their needs due to systemic barriers, including lack of access, stigma, and fragmented care. This project addresses these challenges by embedding structured, experiential street medicine training into primary care residency programs, ensuring future physicians are prepared to provide accessible, patient-centered care. The target population includes individuals experiencing homelessness in urban and rural areas of Western and South Central Pennsylvania. Proposed Services and Training Enhancements Our initiative will incorporate: • Didactic and experiential learning in street medicine, emphasizing trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and community-based interventions. • Longitudinal clinical experiences where residents engage in street rounds, shelter-based care, and mobile outreach with interprofessional teams. • Interdisciplinary collaboration with behavioral health, addiction medicine, occupational therapy, legal services, and community organizations to provide holistic care. • Skills development in navigating support systems, addressing social determinants of health, and advocating for systemic change. Funding Priority and Preference The project qualifies for funding priority under the PCTE-RTSM program as it directly trains residents to serve in rural areas. Additionally, the program supports HRSA’s mission to strengthen the primary care workforce and improve health equity for vulnerable populations. By integrating street medicine into primary care residency training, this project aims to bridge critical gaps in healthcare access, reduce stigma, and improve health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, ensuring that the next generation of primary care physicians is equipped to deliver care where it is most needed.
