TAMPA, Fla. — Future doctors and nurses are taking to the streets of Tampa Bay to put into practice the tools they've learned while attending University of South Florida's Morsani College of Medicine. 

While doing so, the group Tampa Bay Street Medicine is looking after Tampa's homeless population. 

As many as 45 students per semester volunteer with the organization. 

They also helped get COVID-19 vaccines to dozens living on the streets during the pandemic. 

Volunteer Max Rabil is in his third year at the College of Medicine. 

“These people will go to the ER for a day or two if they have something acute going on, but all sort of preventative medicine and long term management of stuff it’s really hard to coordinate and keep up with when you’re homeless like this," he said. 

On Fridays, the team has street runs where they comb the streets, visit the homeless and offer over the counter medications as needed. They also offer Narcan. 

For many of the homeless with pre-existing conditions, Tampa Bay Street Medicine is their only healthcare resource until they can get back on their feet. 

Faculty Advisor Dr. Asa Oxner says her students are walking away from the program with more insight on the gaps within the healthcare system. 

“They get to know about the social determinants of health and how poverty and racism and disparities actually impact patients' healthcare and the severity of their illnesses," said Dr. Oxner. 

Through the program, students can learn empathy and better navigate the healthcare system when it comes to providing appropriate care and resources. 

“It’s really rewarding," said Rabil.  “Getting to talk to them [and] give them socks to brighten their day a little bit.”

Anna Capati says during the first and second year of medical school, students are mostly studying and interaction is limited.

"In addition to helping the commmunity, this is also really a good time for them to practice," she said. 

The students say they are proud to be of service to those they believe have fallen on hard times, but are no less deserving of quality healthcare. 

On Saturdays, the group has expanded its healthcare services to include free clinics for refugees and women.