Why Research Matters
Street medicine needs evidence that is grounded in real communities.
Research in this space can help clarify barriers to care, document patterns in access and continuity, and improve how outreach models respond to the realities of homelessness, trust, and follow-up.
SMSC views research as meaningful only when it remains ethically structured, partner-informed, and connected to better systems of care rather than abstract academic output.
Completed In New Orleans
Local studies that help frame homelessness, health risk, and care access.
Identification of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Homeless Adults
This New Orleans clinic-based study compared homeless and non-homeless patients and found substantially higher rates of hypertension and smoking among homeless adults, underscoring the importance of preventive care and chronic disease follow-up.
Read StudyDeath, Drugs, and Disaster: Mortality Among New Orleans' Homeless
This longitudinal New Orleans study followed a homeless cohort over time and found that alcohol abuse was associated with higher early mortality, highlighting how substance use and long-term instability shape health outcomes well beyond one-time encounters.
Read StudyCompleted Nationally
Research that helps define where street medicine is going across the country.
The Role of Street Medicine and Mobile Clinics for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
This 2024 scoping review found that street medicine and mobile clinics provide primary care, behavioral health, and social services, and can reduce avoidable emergency department and hospital use.
Read StudyA Qualitative Study to Describe the Nature and Scope of Street Medicine Programs in the United States
This 2024 multi-program study found wide variation in structure and operations across street medicine programs, but consistent use of patient-centered care, harm reduction, and strong community partnership.
Read StudyHealth Care Access and Use Among Adults Experiencing Homelessness
This 2025 large representative study found high rates of poor ambulatory care access, unmet health care needs, emergency department use, and hospitalization among adults experiencing homelessness, especially among those who were unsheltered.
Read StudyStudent Involvement At Ochsner
Ways students can build clinical research experience in New Orleans.
Research Training Pathways
Students interested in homelessness-focused clinical research can build research skills through Ochsner’s existing New Orleans-based programs, including the Clinical Research Internship, Annual Research Week, and the UNO-linked Collaborative Undergraduate Research Experience.
How SMSC Fits
Within SMSC, students can help develop literature reviews, community-informed research questions, project ideas around care access and continuity, and future partner-approved studies related to people experiencing homelessness.
Ochsner Clinical Research Internship
Ochsner describes this as a six-month paid training program with direct participation in clinical research, didactic learning, and rotation across research centers and support teams.
Explore InternshipResearch Week and UNO CURE
Ochsner Research Week showcases ongoing work from students and trainees, while the CURE program gives UNO undergraduates hands-on research experience alongside Ochsner physicians and researchers.
Research Week UNO CUREResearch Standards
Curiosity must remain accountable to ethics and scope.
Dignity First
Patients are never reduced to data points, case material, or educational experiences.
Confidentiality
Any research participation should respect privacy, informed processes, and appropriate safeguards.
Usefulness
SMSC prioritizes work that can improve care delivery, training design, or community partnership quality.