Introduction: In this episode of Rebel Cast, host Marco Propersi, along with co-hosts Steve Hochman and Kim Baldino, delve into the practice and importance of street medicine—the direct delivery of healthcare to homeless and unsheltered individuals. Special guests Dr. Jim O’Connell, a pioneer of street medicine, and Dr. Ed Egan, a recent street medicine fellowship graduate, share their experiences and insights on serving this vulnerable population. They discuss the origins, scope, and challenges of street medicine, the ethical dilemmas faced, and the profound impact of building trust and community with patients. The conversation underscores the necessity of integrating street medicine with mainstream healthcare systems and emphasizes that small acts of kindness and persistence can significantly improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

REBEL Cast – Street Medicine: Compassionate Care for the Unhoused

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• 00:00 Introduction to Rebel Cast
• 00:18 Meet the Hosts and Guests
• 00:47 Understanding Street Medicine
• 02:22 Origins and Early Challenges
• 07:23 Street Medicine in Practice
• 20:11 Barriers to Care
• 22:23 Housing First Experiment
• 26:56 Ethical Dilemmas in Street Medicine
• 27:52 Challenges of Providing Care on the Streets
• 29:56 The Role of Street Medicine Teams
• 31:17 The Importance of Building Trust
• 33:55 Limitations and Realities of Street Medicine
• 37:37 The Future of Street Medicine
• 41:42 Integrating Street Medicine with Emergency Medicine
• 43:36 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned
• 48:56 Advice for Aspiring Street Medicine Practitioners
• 53:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Links: Street Medicine Institute National Healthcare for the Homeless Council EMRA Fellowship Guide: Opportunities for Emergency Physicians, 3rd ed.

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