Medical students review patient forms together at the Student Run Clinic.

Student-Led Care for the Sparks Community

Foster School of Medicine students volunteer at the Medical Student Run Clinic, where they help coordinate patient care and clinic operations under physician supervision.

Medical student checks a seated patient’s blood pressure in an exam room.

Primary Care Close to Home

The clinic provides primary health care services for patients of all ages in Sparks, a far East El Paso community where access to care can be limited.

Medical student uses a stethoscope during a patient exam.

Hands-On Learning Through Service

Students gain practical clinical experience while serving the Borderplex community, including opportunities to practice medical skills and communicate with patients in Spanish.

Medical students work behind the front window at the Student Run Clinic.

A Trusted Community Resource

Since its founding, the Medical Student Run Clinic has become an important source of care for Sparks residents, offering services such as primary care, screenings, health education and preventive care support.

Clinic Medical Directors
Student Leadership

Services and Community Impact

Key Services

Free Primary Care

Diagnostics, blood work and cancer screenings for patients of all ages.

Bilingual Health Education

English and Spanish health education to help patients manage conditions common in the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Impact at a Glance

Since opening in 2013, the Medical Student Run Clinic has become a trusted source of health care for Sparks residents.

1465+ patient visits since the clinic opened in 2013
28 free clinical breast exams provided in July through a dedicated grant
7500 grant from the American Breast Cancer Foundation supporting mammogram drives

Recent Achievements

In July, the Medical Student Run Clinic partnered with the American Breast Cancer Foundation to provide free clinical breast exams. With additional funding, the clinic aims to organize more mammogram drives for the community.

Support the Mission

The Medical Student Run Clinic operates primarily through outside funding. Contributions help provide health care services for underserved communities.

Donate Today

Investing in the health of the Paso del Norte region benefits us all. We are privileged to have supporters like the American Breast Cancer Foundation, El Paso Electric, and the Stern Foundation that are committed to providing health education, breast care services and diagnostic laboratory testing to the underserved.

Maureen Francis, M.D., FACP | Assistant Dean for Medical Education

 

Upcoming Clinic Dates for 2026 to 2027

  • Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Clinic
  • Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Clinic
  • Saturday, January 24, 2026 Mammogram Drive
  • Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Clinic
  • Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Clinic

 

Compassionate Care in Action

Serving Sparks: A Community-Centered Approach to Healthcare

For many residents of Sparks, finding affordable and compassionate healthcare can be a challenge. This is why the community clinic has become a beacon of hope. Through the dedication of volunteer doctors, students, and community health workers, the clinic offers free medical care to those who need it most. Patients speak highly of the humane treatment and personalized care they receive, making the clinic a vital resource for individuals and families without insurance or financial means to seek treatment elsewhere.

Student Run Clinic

Student Run Clinic
Sparks Housing Development
106 Peyton Rd.
El Paso, TX 79928

For more information on how to support the clinic and volunteer, please contact:
Email: PLFSOMfreeclinic@ttep.edu
Phone: 915-215-6551

Clinic Operation Hours:
Tuesday evenings 6 - 9 p.m.