My experience working at a drive-thru testing center
On March 17, all medical students across the country were pulled from clinical rotations to help decrease the use of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and the spread of COVID-19.
The next day, a few of my classmates and I were asked by a physician “champion,” Dr. David Schwartz, a professor in the College of Medicine at UTHSC, to volunteer to work with the Shelby County Health Department and the City of Memphis to establish one of Memphis’ first free drive-thru testing sites.
The drive-through testing site, nicknamed Tiger Lane for its location at the Mid-south Fairgrounds and the scheduling call center for the site have been developed, staffed, and until recently run primarily by medical student volunteers.
My classmates have exemplified the true meaning of Tennessee’s nickname of The Volunteer State and what the volunteer spirit is all about, as none of these students received class or clinical credit for their time.
As one volunteer stated, “It has been a great experience. Not only have I felt empowered and helpful, but I’ve also had the opportunity to give back to the Memphis community.” Nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nursing, and dental students became part of the student workforce at the testing site. UTHSC faculty and resident physicians volunteered to supervise and oversee all the testing, thus making this entire initiative possible.
Since its establishment, Tiger Lane has been the primary testing site for first responders and health care providers in the greater Memphis area. The site has tested more than 3,600 patients and has the capacity to test up to 200 patients a day.
We recently established a second testing site in Frayser, and there are sites in Bartlett and at the Agricenter. Additionally, my classmates and I created a manual and are working on a series of instructional videos for other medical schools, clinics, etc., to utilize to set up their own drive-thru testing sites.
I am so proud of my fellow students and the passion they have for helping our community. This was the best way for upper-level medical students to help on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. April 30 was the last day student volunteers were at the testing sites, roughly six weeks since the start date.
In preparation for the students to return to clinics and to establish a long-term work force that could cover the multiple locations, the sites were transitioned to contract workers, who continue to administer tests to the public.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to the student volunteers, supervising physician volunteers, Memphis Fire and Police Departments, Dr. David Schwartz, University Clinical Health, and UTHSC for making this all possible.
Finally, I would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Wes Garner for his continued dedication to the testing sites and to Dr. Amanda Green for providing training and mentorship to the student volunteers throughout the testing initiative.
Chloe Hundman is a member of the UTHSC College of Medicine, Class of 2021.
My classmates have exemplified the true meaning of Tennessee’s nickname of The Volunteer State and what the volunteer spirit is all about, as none of these students received class or clinical credit for their time.