Health Care Champions: Dr. Ellen Beck, M.D.

Dr. Ellen Beck, M.D., is a clinical professor of medicine on the faculty of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine as well as founding director of the UCSD Student Run Free Clinics.

Since inception in 1997, the clinics have conducted more than 2,500 patient visits, treated

Dr. Beck has been the behind-the-scenes heart, soul and grit that has kept the Free Clinics successful for more than 10 years of service. She supports and mentors the medical and predental students in running weekly clinics, raising funds, finding supplies and doing all necessary administration to ensure that the clinics are truly student-run.

Ultimately, the students Dr. Beck trains develop leadership skills, become sensitive to the special needs of the underserved and learn how to partner with community-based organizations. She not only gives directly to the community with services today, but imbues future generations of medical professionals with the desire and skills to continue the mission of caring for the underserved.

Under the supervision of UCSD faculty physicians and more than 45 volunteer physicians from the community, students learn all aspects of free-clinic management and administration in addition to conducting clinical procedures.

Patients who come to the clinics recognize Dr. Beck as the calming presence in the clinic whirlwind, crediting her as the reason they visit the clinic with many claiming that she is the reason they are alive today.

The Free Clinics partner alongside numerous organizations, such. as the UCSD/UCSF Clinical Pharmacy Program, California Professional Lab Owners, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Harvest for the Hungry, Baker Elementary School, University of San Diego Legal Clinic, the Third and Ash Charitable Organization and others.

Dr. Beck has turned her compassion and skills into a major outreach program, staffed and run by students and volunteers, giving health care to countless individuals without access to care.