UAG Program of Medicine in the Community Receives Accolades

The City of Tlaquepaque recently awarded a Special Recognition to the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara for the valuable contributions made by the Mobile Brigade of the Program of Medicine in the Community (PMC).  During the past two years, the UAG’s mobile brigade has seen more than 6,500 patients.  These are low-income patients from underserved areas.

The award was presented during Tlaquepaque’s monthly distribution of food to elderly persons representing more than 600 families.

Mr. Joaquin Portilla Wolf, Director of Social Development for the City of Tlaquepaque and representing Mayor Miguel Castro Reynoso, thanked the Director of the Program, Joel Cavarria Gómez and the Coordinator of the Brigade, Dr. Juan Pablos López Ortiz for their continued support week after week.

“We thank the UAG for the work and support they have given to the people of Tlaquepaque.  The UAG team has provided health care for our people and has created a good feeling among our community. This award is being presented to the PMC today but it is an award that is given to the entire UAG School of Medicine community,” stated Director Wolf.  He also added that he would like to see the PMC’s support in a permanent manner.

Dr. López Ortiz mentioned that during the past two years some of the care given to the patients included dental care, physical exams, vaccinations, prenatal care and distribution of medications.

Some of the main medical problems that they take care of deal with respiratory infections, chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and hypertension in addition to stomach parasites and stomach problems along with dermatological problems.

A total of 6 physicians and 6-8 medical students in their last academic years are involved in this unit.  In addition, there is also dental care provided and they have treated more than 600 patients.  On average, this mobile unit sees from 120 to 180 patients a day.

“The work we do through this mobile brigade is part of the PMC mission,” stated Dr. López.

Since its beginning in 1973, the PMC as part of the UAG School of Medicine has set its goal to serve communities by providing health care for those that have little or no resources.