Introduction: In this episode of Rebel Cast, host Marco Propersi, along with co-hosts Steve Hochman and Kim Baldino, delve into the practice and importance of street medicine—the direct delivery of healthcare to homeless and unsheltered individuals. Special guests Dr. Jim O’Connell, a pioneer of street medicine, and Dr. Ed Egan, a recent street medicine fellowship graduate, share their experiences and insights on serving this vulnerable population. They discuss the origins, scope, and challenges of street medicine, the ethical dilemmas faced, and the profound impact of building trust and community with patients. The conversation underscores the necessity of integrating street medicine with mainstream healthcare systems and emphasizes that small acts of kindness and persistence can significantly improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
REBEL Cast – Street Medicine: Compassionate Care for the Unhoused
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00:00 Introduction to Rebel Cast00:18 Meet the Hosts and Guests00:47 Understanding Street Medicine02:22 Origins and Early Challenges07:23 Street Medicine in Practice20:11 Barriers to Care22:23 Housing First Experiment26:56 Ethical Dilemmas in Street Medicine27:52 Challenges of Providing Care on the Streets29:56 The Role of Street Medicine Teams31:17 The Importance of Building Trust33:55 Limitations and Realities of Street Medicine37:37 The Future of Street Medicine41:42 Integrating Street Medicine with Emergency Medicine43:36 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned48:56 Advice for Aspiring Street Medicine Practitioners53:03 Final Thoughts and EncouragementLinks:
Street Medicine InstituteNational Healthcare for the Homeless Council
EMRA Fellowship Guide: Opportunities for Emergency Physicians, 3rd ed.
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