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Division of Community Medicine

The Department of Family and Community Medicine's Division of Community Medicine works to improve the health of individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

A member of the Community Medicine program takes the blood pressure of a young boy.
 

Promoting Community Health and Engagement

The Division of Community Medicine collaborates with partner organizations to pursue innovation and leadership in community engagement, addiction medicine, correctional health care and primary care. It encourages leadership and advocacy among students, staff, residents, fellows and faculty. 

Saint Louis University School of Law

SLU Law's Center for Health Law Studies focuses on the intersection of health care and legal systems. The Department of Family and Community Medicine has teamed with the center on health advocacy initiatives, speaker series and other educational programming. 

Family Court Programs

Department physicians provide primary care and health education to residents and staff in the 22nd Circuit Court's Juvenile Division. 

Opioid Crisis

Department physicians have provided training, learning materials and expertise to the Missouri State Opioid Response Team. The work has connected them with regional health systems as well as federally qualified health centers, mental health centers and community behavioral clinics across the state. 

Clinical Service

Department physicians volunteer at Casa de Salud, a nonprofit that provides health care for the immigrant and refugee community in St. Louis. 

Leadership

Department faculty serve on boards of directors and advisory boards with state and national influence. These include:

Saint Louis University Area Health Education Center

The SLU Area Health Education Center (AHEC) works to improve the health of St. Louis residents in underserved areas through education and community partnerships. 

Primary Services

  • Recruiting underrepresented minorities to the University's medical programs
  • Encouraging and supporting the completion of the University's medical programs
  • Encouraging health care careers in underserved areas
  • Retaining health professionals practicing in underserved areas
  • Providing pipeline programs

The SLU AHEC works with the Missouri AHEC Network, which has more than 40 AHEC programs. 

For more information, contact Program Director Carissa van den Berk Clark, Ph.D., at carissa.vandenberkclark@health.slu.edu.