Brianne Feldpausch and Alissa Moody presented to the East Lansing Rotary Club on April 17, discussing the implementation plans of Michigan State University’s Rotaract “Street Medicine” program. Spartan Street Medicine would provide care for members of our community who are not in a stable housing condition (shelters etc). The presentation was very informative and inspiring!
“Spartan Street Medicine: Going to the People”
Spartan Street Medicine Co-Founder Brianne Feldpausch
Brianne Feldpausch
After graduation from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology, Brianne Feldpausch deferred her acceptance to medical school to serve on the streets of Pittsburgh as a case manager with the father of street medicine, Dr. Jim Withers, and his Operation Safety Net street medicine team. Upon returning to Lansing to begin medical school, Brianne felt called to bring these experiences home by spearheading the Spartan Street Medicine program.
Definition of street medicine (from the Santa Barbara street medicine website): Street Medicine is the term used to define a collaboration of professionals who deliver health care and related services directly to people living and sleeping on the streets and in austere environments.
Alissa Moody
Alissa Moody, of Spartan Street Medicine
Alissa Moody graduated from York University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Psychology. Prior to commencing her medical education at Michigan State University, she worked as a clinical research assistant and residency program assistant at the University of Toronto. Alissa is passionate about serving the community, particularly those who are vulnerable and underserved. She spent two years as a pediatric hospice volunteer and has travelled to rural Nepal, Kenya and Zimbabwe to directly provide her assistance to underserved communities. Alissa feels honored to be part of Spartan Street Medicine and to serve the homeless individuals of Lansing.
Spartan Street Medicine Mission Statement
Spartan Street Medicine is dedicated to bridging the gap in health care for the homeless and disenfranchised people of Lansing, Michigan. We will battle the epidemic of indifference by going to the streets and shelters to meet the people on their terms. Through regular and direct outreach, we plan to foster a relationship built on dignity and respect, so that we may break down the psychosocial barriers preventing access to quality care. In doing so, we hope to instill the qualities of trust, empathy, and humility in the next generation of healthcare providers and the people they serve.