In October, The Burmese/Karen Free Health Fair provided 80 community members in Phoenix with access to free health screenings, liver health education, and hepatitis B and C resources, helping address barriers to specialized healthcare for the attendees.
Held at the Myanmar Grace Church, this community service initiative connected GateWay Community College students with underserved community members, providing accessible healthcare to those in need. The Phoenix Burmese and Karen Community is made up of thousands of refugees and immigrants from Myanmar settled across the metro. Student volunteers from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program completed 18 liver ultrasound scans for attendees, applying their clinical skills to serving this diverse community while providing access to potentially life-saving screening resources.
The care was made possible onsite through the HUG Clinic (Healthcare United at GateWay). This mobile clinic provides free, specialty care for community members who are underserved, uninsured, or experiencing financial hardship.
One of the student volunteers, Ann Cattouse-Watson, noted how the experience was important for her education. “As a sonography student, it was especially rewarding to be part of something that allowed me to connect with the community, while seeing firsthand how ultrasound can make a difference beyond the clinical setting,” said Cattouse-Watson. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming, which made the experience even more meaningful. I also thought it was amazing that Mobile HUG was able to provide these screenings free of charge, helping make healthcare more accessible to a community that may not otherwise have access to these services.”
All HUG Clinic services are offered pro bono to Phoenix residents. “The HUG Clinic began as a collaborative lab project between the Physical Therapist Assisting and Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs to increase hands-on learning and strengthen communication between disciplines,” said Heather Murray, HUG Program Manager. “Its early success helped the clinic grow our services and eventually open a state-of-the-art facility on 18th Street and Van Buren, but we are still able to operate the Mobile unit for community health efforts.”
“This experience exemplifies GateWay’s commitment to developing compassionate healthcare professionals, while empowering students to make a meaningful difference beyond the classroom,” Murray continued. “The application of skills in a real-world setting strengthens their clinical experience, patient interaction, and community engagement.”
America Betancourt is another sonography student who volunteered at The Burmese/Karen Free Health Fair. “Being part of the Mobile HUG event at a church serving the Burmese community was such a cool and rewarding experience,” she said. “It felt good to use what I’m learning in school to make a difference and give back to others.”
GateWay is the only Maricopa Community College offering the DMS program. The degree is a full-time, hybrid program, with instruction both online and in-person, as well as the opportunities for clinical experience at the HUG Clinic.
Donations help offset the cost of providing care to the community, with events like the Hustle for HUG 5K Run or 1.5 Mile Fun Run/Walk annual fundraiser to benefit the clinic. Learn more about the HUG Clinic at https://www.gatewaycc.edu/hug-clinic and sign up for the run coming up on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027.