March 2009: 5th Annual NaHSSA Conference, Kingston ON

IMAGINE: a student-run clinic
Presenters: Hilary Hall, Sagar Dugani, Peter Szasz
Abstract/Presentation: Not available.

The 5th Annual NaHSSA Conference was the first conference in which IMAGINE participated. We were invited to present a short description of IMAGINE with a particular emphasis on the student-run clinic aspect.

Presenters discussed the trials and tribuations that IMAGINE has faced, and provided students hoping to start a clinic with the following advice:

• Team: Interprofessional team with faculty support
• Identify Needs: Client needs should be identified and prioritized
• Funding/Awards: Apply for awards, grants, etc.
• Start Early: Everything takes more time than you expect…set realistic goals
• Maintain vision: Set milestones and maintain vision
• Share knowledge: Talk to students who have started student-run clinics- they have a wealth of knowledge and experience
• Have fun: Even when things are slow, remember why you are doing this!

Delegates were enthusiastic about the initiative, and NaHSSA invited IMAGINE to present again the following year to share a progress report and further learning.