Seeking equitable collaborations: A look at university and health center program grantee relationships

Collaborations between universities and Health Center Program grantees may be used to translate scientific research and improve health care delivery to underserved populations. Evidence has shown that resident physicians who train in health center settings are nearly three times as likely to practice in underserved settings after graduation; and they are 3.4 times as likely to work in a health center, when compared to residents who did not train in health centers. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of collaborations between universities and Health Center Program grantees is very important. Recently, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council conducted a survey to explore the issue of relationships between universities and Health Center Program grantees that serve homeless populations. Highlights from the survey will be presented. We will describe (1) the relationships between medical schools and allied health professional training schools and Health Center Program grantees that serve homeless populations (formal /informal, teaching, observing, paid internship, unpaid, preceptor needed, academic credit earned); (2) the opportunities of collaboration between allied health professional schools/and grantees; (3) the benefits and challenges of these relationships; (4) resources needed for collaborations/relationships; and (5) the interest of Health Center Program grantees that serve homeless populations in becoming accredited teaching health centers. Information presented will assist medical schools and allied health professional training schools and Health Center Program grantees that serve homeless populations to develop sustainable and successful partnerships that benefit both partners.