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On the first Monday night of each month, faculty members Dr. Boyle and Dr. Plost meet at the DAWN Clinic, a free clinic providing services to an underserved and often uninsured population. For many patients, the monthly Dermatology clinic is their sole way to access dermatological care. The DAWN’s Dermatology Clinic director, Assistant Professor Dr. Plost stated that working in a community clinic setting is, “a reminder that being able to diagnose a patient’s skin disease is only a small part of learning how to take care of a patient.”

As a specialty clinic, the space provides a unique learning environment for the two to four residents and three to four medical students that typically make up the volunteer care team. For medical students interested in dermatology, DAWN presents an opportunity for real-world clinical experience and leadership roles within the clinic. Each shift begins at 6 pm with the faculty supervisor leading the clinic meeting of residents, medical students, and care coordinators. After going through the list of six to eight patients for the evening, the residents and medical students see each patient prior to the faculty member joining the visit. “The follow up and coordination is fantastic,” Dr. Boyle explained, with the DAWN Clinic’s care coordinators and interpreters connecting patients to additional resources, social support, and even additional clinics to treat underlying conditions. “When we see a patient, we take into consideration so much more than the patient's diagnosis such as access to transportation, food, housing, medication,” Dr. Plost added. With the DAWN Rheumatology Clinic held on the same evenings, Dermatology has benefited from their insight about navigating various medication programs for patients without insurance.

The most common conditions seen are eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, but have also included rare diagnoses such as autoimmune skin diseases like pemphigus, and genetic skin disease. The DAWN Clinic setting is an opportunity for residents and medical students to practice taking the lead in considering a patient’s overall care, beyond any single issue. The array of diagnoses in addition to complex circumstances impacting both health and access to care makes for a rewarding experience for both patients and the care team. “The patients are incredibly appreciative of the care that we provide,” Dr. Plost said.

As the Dermatology faculty look ahead to the future of the DAWN Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Boyle explained, “We are moving toward a model where the medical students play a more active role in obtaining the history and physical, and the dermatology residents are the educators.” The DAWN Dermatology Clinic welcomes interested medical students and residents who would like to work with underserved or marginalized communities.

The DAWN Clinic is located at 12348 E. Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO 80045 and can be reached at 303-800-9677.