Mobile Unit
Empowering Residents to lead in community health care
Eisenhower Health’s Medical Mobile Unit bridges healthcare gaps in the Coachella Valley by delivering free, essential medical services to underserved communities. With two private exam rooms, it provides care, vaccinations, and health education while empowering residents with hands-on training. This initiative fosters compassionate, skilled physicians and ensures accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations, addressing social determinants of health.
The Medical Mobile Unit exemplifies the heart of medicine—breaking down barriers and meeting patients where they are.
As someone deeply committed to health equity and public health, I am inspired daily by the growth and resilience of our residents as they step into our communities to address real-world challenges. This program goes beyond training exceptional physicians; it cultivates advocates who develop genuine connections with our patients and communities, gaining a profound understanding of the critical intersection between health-related social needs and medical care. By teaching residents to navigate challenges beyond the traditional hospital setting, we are building a legacy of care that transforms not just individuals but entire communities for generations to come.
- Victor Cisneros, MD, MPH
Diversity Equity Inclusion Director
Building expertise through diverse hands-on care
Residents on the Mobile Care Unit (MCU) gain hands-on experience managing a diverse range of cases and performing essential procedures, including:
Preventive Care:
- Administering vaccinations (e.g., flu, COVID-19, Tdap).
- Conducting routine health screenings (e.g., blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, etc).
- Providing health education and lifestyle counseling.
Acute Care:
- Diagnosing and treating common conditions such as:
- Upper respiratory infections.
- Skin conditions (e.g., cellulitis, abscesses).
- Minor injuries (e.g., lacerations, sprains).
- Performing wound care and dressing changes.
- Stabilizing patients for referral to higher levels of care when necessary.
Chronic Disease Management:
- Monitoring and adjusting treatment for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.
- Counseling patients on medication adherence and disease self-management.
- Refilling and adjusting medications under supervision.
Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders:
- Screening for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Initiating Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
- Providing referrals to behavioral health services.
Social Determinants of Health Interventions:
- Identifying food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation challenges.
- Connecting patients to appropriate social services and resources.
Procedures Performed:
- Basic wound closures (e.g., sutures or staples).
Incision and drainage of abscesses. - Point-of-care ultrasound for diagnostics (e.g., assessing soft tissue infections or pleural effusions).
- Injections (e.g., dental blocks for pain, intramuscular medications).
I feel like it has helped me develop this sense of empathy, be able to empathize with these patients that are not given resources everybody else has. It’s just an amazing experience.
Genaro Morales, MD
Emergency Medicine
How it Improves Care
Clinical Excellence
Provide residents and fellows with an optimal learning environment to develop the personal, clinical, and professional skills needed for exceptional patient care.
Compassion & Support
A supportive environment designed to embrace individuality, growth, and healing.
Collaboration
Work alongside a supportive team dedicated to achieving excellence through shared knowledge and teamwork.