At the Brother Francis Shelter in Anchorage, a small group of volunteers gathers twice a month to provide a service that is often overlooked but essential to overall health. The Foot Care Clinic, supported by Alaska WWAMI students and other volunteers, offers basic foot care and brief exams to anyone who walks through the door. However, its impact reaches well beyond physical care.
Co-led by first-year WWAMI Alaska students Jenny Pak and Nickolas McVay, the clinic is a student-led Service Learning Advisory Committee (SLAC) initiative that connects medical education with community need. The clinic brings together a wide range of volunteers, creating a collaborative environment grounded in service.
“We are a mix of med students, pre-med students, and community volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for over a decade!” Pak said.
The clinic continues through strong partnerships built over time, including the ongoing leadership of longtime volunteer Judy Everard, who oversees operations and maintains the clinic’s connection with the shelter.
“Nick and I coordinate with Judy Everard, who really runs the show and has fostered the relationship with the Brother Francis Shelter,” Pak said.
During each clinic, volunteers provide straightforward but meaningful care, from trimming nails to checking for early
signs of infection or other concerns. These visits can also reveal indicators of more serious underlying conditions, such as diabetes or circulation issues, offering an important opportunity for early awareness and follow-up.
Just as important as the clinical care is the sense of connection the clinic fosters. For many guests at the shelter, particularly those experiencing homelessness, these interactions offer a rare moment of focused attention and conversation in a respectful, welcoming setting.
“What we do is quite simple, but it allows us to connect with people from all walks of life while supporting the health of our community,” Pak said.
Pak emphasized that foot health is often overlooked, despite being an important indicator of overall well-being.
“They are just as important as any other part of the body and require attention and care. You can learn a lot about a person’s health from their feet! As future healthcare professionals who strive to provide comprehensive care for our patients, volunteering at foot clinic reminds us that foot care is part of that commitment.”
For students, the clinic offers early, hands-on experience with patient interaction and reinforces the importance of treating the whole person. In a setting grounded in dignity and consistency, they see firsthand how small acts of care can build trust—and how that trust can open the door to better health outcomes.