UC Davis Health has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation and community support, underscored by two distinct yet impactful endeavors: the longstanding Clínica Tepati, which assists underserved Latino communities, and the new documentary 'John-John's Journey,' highlighting the urgent pursuit of clinical trials for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
Established as a free clinic in 1974, Clínica Tepati has served as both a lifeline and training ground for medical students and community volunteers. It arose from the needs identified by UC Davis School of Medicine students eager to address healthcare disparities faced by Latino immigrants. Erasmo Rivera, one of the clinic's patients, articulated his gratitude, saying, "They treat me really good here. It's been a good experience." Today, the clinic caters to over 800 patients annually, offering culturally relevant care, primarily conducted by student volunteers motivated by their shared heritage with patients.
Student volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including pharmacy and nursing, converge each Saturday at WellSpace Health, where they provide primary care under supervision. Brenden Tu, medical director of the clinic, praised the efforts of these students: "The majority of the work is done by the students. I just sort of guide them, direct them."
Clínica Tepati not only exemplifies compassion but also teaches students the importance of health equity. The founding of the clinic stems from the Chicano rights movement, with co-founder Mark Diaz recalling, "Everybody was very enthusiastic about starting the clinic. Clínica Tepati filled this unmet need." Since then, it has evolved to meet various healthcare needs, including specialty services.
Meanwhile, UC Davis Health's documentary, 'John-John's Journey,' captures the emotional and physical struggles of the Kong family, who traveled from Taiwan to enroll their toddler, John, in one of California's groundbreaking clinical trials for Elevidys, aimed at treating DMD. This genetic disorder primarily affects boys, leading to severe muscular and respiratory issues. Craig McDonald, professor and chair of the UC Davis Health Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, leads the trial, marking the health system as one of the primary sites for this innovative therapy.
Produced by Pamela Wu and Chris Nelson, 'John-John's Journey' chronicles not only the family's urgent quest for treatment but also highlights the clinical trial's significance. According to Wu, the documentary emphasizes hope for families around the world facing DMD.
Both endeavors—Clínica Tepati and the documentary—illustrate UC Davis Health's commitment to community-oriented medical care and groundbreaking research. Located amid advancing healthcare needs, UC Davis Health continues to be receptive to the challenges of diverse populations.
The story of Erasmo Rivera and John-Kong is emblematic of many individuals who navigate the complex pathways of healthcare availability and innovative breakthroughs. Through teamwork and community dedication, UC Davis maintains its reputation as a pivotal player on the health frontier.