Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Externship Experience

The student extern will gain experience in day-to-day clinical activities, administration, and how FQHCs operate and play a vital role in the community.  Students will have the opportunity to explore full-scope Family Medicine, with a focus on primary care integration of services (Medical, Behavioral Health, and Addiction) and Lifestyle Medicine. The goals of the externship are to foster leadership, interest in systems of care for underserved populations, and an introduction to primary care medicine.

Dates, hours and expectations
This externship must cover four total weeks and may begin the Week of July 8.   
The four weeks do not have to be consecutive if a vacation week is already scheduled with the final weeks possible in August. The final four weeks can be set by agreement with the selected student and the lead preceptor, Christina Wells, MD. 
Student will be added to the IAFP FPs in FQHCs member interest group.  

Location
This externship is primarily at UI-Mile Square Health Center Cicero location with lead preceptor Christina Wells, MD and will include other sites such as the UI Hospital, other clinics and group visits at the Auburn Gresham Clinic on the South Side.  Dr. Wells is a member of the IAFP's FPs in FQHCs Member Interest Group, chair of the IAFP Lifestyle Medicine Member Interest Group and was elected to the IAFP Board of Directors in 2020 and currently serves as the IAFP's Treasurer.  We encourage you to learn more about the clinic before you apply, using the link for UI-Mile Square above.