DOCS History

Our History

Since the inception of the first health fair in Big Pine Key in 1971, the students of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine have made access to care for the medically underserved a top priority. In academic year 2000-2001, the health fairs formalized into DOCS, a student-run, non-profit organization endorsed by the medical school under the direction of Dr. Mark T. O’Connell. As DOCS gained recognition, a generous donation was received in 2006, endowing the service organization as the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service.

In the 2021-22 academic year, DOCS brought screening and educational services through its health fairs and clinics to over 1300 patients thanks to the volunteer efforts of hundreds of medical students and 181 physicians. Currently, DOCS holds 8 annual health fairs in underserved areas in Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Broward counties to screen for the most prevalent health problems in our community, including: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, vision and hearing loss, glaucoma, osteoporosis, fall risk, oral health, dementia, depression, HIV, and Hepatitis C, as well as colon, breast, cervical, and skin cancers. In addition, DOCS works closely with community partners to increase awareness about local resources through mini-health fairs and exhibitions.

DOCS also operates 4 free student-run clinics that provide treatment in both primary care and specialized services through the Center for Haitian Studies Clinic, the IDEA Needle Exchange Clinic, San Juan Bosco Clinic, and our newest partnership with the Miami Rescue Mission Clinic. Using a referral system from our health fairs to free and reduced-cost clinics, we are able to provide continuity of care and follow-up services by acting as a portal of entry into the healthcare system for at-risk patients.