This month on the Loyola Street Medicine Podcast, join Dr. Withers, an Internal Medicine physician and founder of the Street Medicine Institute, along with Stritch medical student Anna Akkara, for a conversation about winter-related emergencies among the unhoused population and general advocacy for the unhoused.
Dr. Withers has been a pioneer in street medicine, spearheading the global street medicine movement. His groundbreaking work began with Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net, the street medicine program he founded and continues to work with in Pittsburgh, PA. For over 30 years, he has dedicated himself to treating and advocating for the unhoused, embodying the motto, “Go to the people.”
In this episode, Dr. Withers discusses the types of cold- and winter-related emergencies that are common among the unhoused and explains why this population is at higher risk for such illnesses and emergencies. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with the individuals you serve and highlights the need for forming meaningful connections over time—particularly when collaborating on realistic health plans with patients. Dr. Withers underscores that unhoused individuals often know their circumstances better than anyone else, and truly listening to them can make a significant difference in the success of their care.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a street medicine physician, Dr. Withers shares compelling stories and practical advice for medical students, residents, and anyone interested in street medicine. He offers insights on advocacy, documenting injustice, and providing compassionate care to our brothers and sisters on the streets.
We hope you enjoy this inspiring episode!
