The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Laura Ortiz, MD, Emergency Medicine Provider at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, exploring a collaborative effort that’s enhancing access to care for all communities.
The program, known as Street Medicine Oakland, is a collaborative effort between Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital and Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine that delivers free medical care to those experiencing homelessness in Oakland County.
During the episode, Ortiz explains how the program came to be, how it works and the strong, positive impact it’s having on patients, providers and medical students.
“If you don’t see the barriers and what patients are experiencing, you can’t understand how hard it is to do what seems like a simple thing like calling your doctor or finding transportation,” said Ortiz, who serves as the assistant medical director for the program.
Unsheltered populations face higher rates of chronic illness, mental and behavioral health conditions, substance use disorder and emergency department admissions. With this in mind, Street Medicine Oakland is focused on addressing barriers to care and tackling medical mistrust.
Ortiz, who also serves as the director of faculty development and the hospital’s medical education fellowship, shares how being involved in Street Medicine Oakland has changed her approach to care delivery in the hospital.
“[This work] reminds you why you got into medicine,” said Ortiz. “Getting to help people, learn people stories, see what their life is like…it’s very meaningful and makes me a better doctor.”
Street Medicine Oakland received an MHA Ludwig Community Benefit Award in 2024 and was recently featured in the 2024 MHA Community Impact Report. Those interested in sharing hospital programming in Michigan that is having a strong community impact are encouraged to contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube.
Dr. Ortiz received her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College and is a graduate of the charter class of Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Indiana University where she served as chief resident in her final year. She completed a medical education fellowship at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, culminating in a Master of Health Professions Education from the University of Michigan.