Family Medicine

/ Community Outreach

Community Outreach

At Corewell Health Lakeland Family Medicine Program, we believe that serving the community extends far beyond the walls of the clinic. As active members of the communities we care for, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of service, leadership, and engagement. Our residents are encouraged to participate in meaningful outreach initiatives, health education efforts, and local partnerships that address the broader social determinants of health. We aim to instill in our residents the importance of being compassionate, engaged leaders—individuals who not only provide excellent clinical care but also advocate for and uplift the communities they will go on to serve.

Community health

Community service project

Each year, our residents and faculty come together to complete a dedicated community service project that reflects our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. These projects vary in scope and focus but all share a common goal: to support and uplift our neighbors beyond the clinical setting. Through these efforts, we build meaningful connections and demonstrate our shared responsibility as healthcare professionals and community members. 

High school sport physicals

Each year, we host a dedicated event to provide comprehensive sports physicals for local high school athletes. This initiative ensures that students are medically cleared for athletic participation and promotes early detection of potential health concerns. It also strengthens our ties with families and schools throughout the community. 

Herbie Free Clinic

Residents volunteer at Herbie Health Clinic, a nonprofit organization committed to delivering free healthcare services to uninsured adults in our community. Through their active participation, residents play a vital role in providing compassionate, high-quality care to underserved populations.

Local sports coverage

Residents assist with medical coverage at local sporting events.

Two residents posing for a picture outside on a fall and sunshiny day
Residents outside raking up leaves on a blue sky fall day
Resident and team member posing for a photo in a photo frame outside while raking for a community outreach project
man in a hate outside raking leaves into a paper bag
Group of people lifting a tarp full of leaves
Two residents posing for a picture outside on a fall and sunshiny day
Residents outside raking up leaves on a blue sky fall day
Resident and team member posing for a photo in a photo frame outside while raking for a community outreach project
man in a hate outside raking leaves into a paper bag
Group of people lifting a tarp full of leaves
Two residents posing for a picture outside on a fall and sunshiny day
Residents outside raking up leaves on a blue sky fall day
Resident and team member posing for a photo in a photo frame outside while raking for a community outreach project
man in a hate outside raking leaves into a paper bag
Group of people lifting a tarp full of leaves
Two residents posing for a picture outside on a fall and sunshiny day
Residents outside raking up leaves on a blue sky fall day
Resident and team member posing for a photo in a photo frame outside while raking for a community outreach project
man in a hate outside raking leaves into a paper bag
Group of people lifting a tarp full of leaves

Youth and education

Career in medicine talks

Our residents visit local middle and high schools to share inspiring stories about careers in medicine. These talks encourage students to consider a future in healthcare by highlighting real-life experiences, personal journeys, and the challenges overcome along the way. By connecting authentically with students, our residents help demystify the path to becoming a physician and spark interest in the medical field.

Family kitchen

Our residents participate in the family kitchen program, an initiative that blends culinary medicine with youth education. Through this program, our team works with local youth to promote nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, and hands-on cooking skills. This outreach reinforces residents’ understanding of preventive care and nutrition while fostering lasting community relationships. It exemplifies our belief that empowering individuals with knowledge and practical skills is essential in holistic, community-centered healthcare. 

Human growth and development education

Residents actively deliver age-appropriate human growth and development education at local elementary schools. This curriculum helps students understand their bodies and the natural changes they experience as they grow. Through respectful and engaging instruction, our residents create a safe learning environment that supports healthy development and self-awareness.

Teddy bear clinic

Our teddy bear clinic, hosted for local Girl Scout troops, helps reduce children's fear of medical procedures through interactive play. Children bring their stuffed animals for “check-ups,” exploring medical tools and procedures in a fun, non-threatening environment. Residents guide the activities, helping children feel more comfortable with doctor visits while promoting health education in an engaging way.

Staff member chopping vegetables during a cooking class she is teaching
A team member preparing vegetables on a cutting board during a community outreach class
Two team members cutting vegetables while attending a cooking class
Staff member chopping vegetables during a cooking class she is teaching
A team member preparing vegetables on a cutting board during a community outreach class
Two team members cutting vegetables while attending a cooking class
Staff member chopping vegetables during a cooking class she is teaching
A team member preparing vegetables on a cutting board during a community outreach class
Two team members cutting vegetables while attending a cooking class
Staff member chopping vegetables during a cooking class she is teaching
A team member preparing vegetables on a cutting board during a community outreach class
Two team members cutting vegetables while attending a cooking class

Senior engagement

Osteopathic medicine education

We proudly offer educational sessions on osteopathic medicine at local senior centers. These presentations help older adults understand the principles and benefits of osteopathy, including pain relief, enhanced healing, and improved mobility. Residents lead open discussions and demonstrate how osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can complement traditional medical care and support overall wellness.

Through hands-on involvement in the communities we serve, the Lakeland Family Medicine Residency Program fosters compassionate, well-rounded physicians who are prepared to serve and advocate for the communities they call home. To learn more, please contact the FM residency program manager.