Medical school graduates help bring health services to Central Valley students

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- This medical mobile unit brings health services to students at 10 different school districts in Fresno County-- hoping to break the cycle of health and poverty issues in rural areas of the Valley.

"A lot of the areas don't have healthcare, they don't have clinics available-- so if we can bring the clinics and healthcare to them it will be a lot more beneficial for the kids," said Alma McKenry, Fresno County Director of Health Services.

The mobile unit is normally filled with three people-- a licensed vocational nurse, certified nursing assistant, and nurse practitioner offering anything from basic health screenings to case management-- but now, they will also have physicians on staff.

"I'll be performing physical exams on the kids, assessing their health, vaccinations, well child checks mostly-- but also education," said Albert Vu, Valley Children's resident.

The Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is bringing 13 doctors on board from the residency program at Valley Children's Hospital.

"There are a lot of health disparities in the rural areas, and I think bringing the residents to these areas will kind of give them an understanding of what needs there are," said McKenry.

The recently graduated doctors got a first look inside the mobile unit they will perform medical evaluations in as part of their three year residency.

"Their parents just don't have the time or resources or literally the transportation to see us, and it would be a great shame if we didn't help them in any way that we could and make sure they have the opportunities to succeed that other kids in school have as well," said Vu.

Residents will begin taking part in Medicine on the Move at the end of July.