The International Family Medicine Clinic (IFMC), a distinguished part of the University of Virginia (UVA) Department of Family Medicine, has been a cornerstone of healthcare for international populations in Central Virginia since its inception in October 2002. Recognizing the unique healthcare needs of the growing immigrant and refugee communities, IFMC was established to provide accessible, culturally sensitive, and superior medical services. This specialized family medicine clinic is committed to ensuring every patient receives timely and comprehensive care in an environment that respects their cultural background and individual circumstances.
About IFMC: A Patient-Centered Family Medicine Clinic
At the heart of IFMC’s mission is a commitment to providing holistic healthcare to individuals of all ages. This family medicine clinic distinguishes itself by offering a wide spectrum of medical services, all delivered within a welcoming and patient-focused atmosphere. Understanding that health extends beyond physical well-being, IFMC also integrates mental health services into its comprehensive care model. Counselors from the Family Stress Clinic and psychiatric services coordinated by Dr. Richard Merkel are readily available to support patients’ emotional and psychological needs. Recognizing language as a crucial aspect of accessible healthcare, IFMC ensures effective communication for limited English proficiency (LEP) patients through access to both in-person and telephone interpreters.
Learn more about IFMC and its commitment to patient care.
Contact Information for Your Family’s Health Needs
For appointments or to learn more about how this family medicine clinic can serve you, please use the following contact details:
- Appointments: (434) 924-5348
- Daytime Emergencies: (434) 924-5340
- After Hours Emergencies: (434) 924-0000
Our Mission: Accessible and Culturally Competent Family Medicine
IFMC operates with a clear and impactful mission: to deliver culturally competent healthcare that addresses the specific needs of international populations. This family medicine clinic model incorporates several key components to achieve this, including:
- Professional interpreters and bilingual providers: To overcome language barriers and ensure clear communication.
- Cultural diversity training for staff: To foster understanding and sensitivity towards diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Linguistically and culturally appropriate health education materials: To empower patients with relevant and understandable health information.
- Specialized healthcare setting: Designed to be welcoming and accommodating to international populations.
The specific goals of this family medicine clinic are centered around enhancing patient care and community support:
- Providing comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally competent care to the growing LEP patient population in Central Virginia.
- Serving as a recognized local resource for LEP patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Developing efficient systems for patient care, including improved communication with community partners and standardized screening and evaluation processes.
- Reducing the reliance on emergency services by providing proactive and accessible primary care.
Support the vital work of IFMC and help us expand our reach in providing quality family medicine care.
Who We Serve: A Welcoming Family Medicine Home for All
The International Family Medicine Clinic is dedicated to serving a broad spectrum of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. As a family medicine clinic committed to inclusivity, IFMC welcomes:
- Refugees and Asylees: Individuals seeking safety and legal residence due to persecution concerns in their home countries. IFMC understands the unique health challenges faced by refugees and asylees and provides tailored care to support their transition and well-being.
- Immigrants: Including naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents, and immigrants seeking employment opportunities in Virginia. This family medicine clinic offers accessible and culturally sensitive healthcare for immigrants as they establish their lives in a new country.
- Individuals with Temporary Visas: Those residing in Virginia for specific purposes such as employment or education. IFMC provides a reliable healthcare home for individuals on temporary visas, ensuring their health needs are met during their stay.
- Anyone with Limited English Proficiency: Recognizing that language barriers can hinder access to quality healthcare, IFMC extends its services to anyone who may benefit from language assistance and culturally sensitive medical care.
Primarily serving individuals and families in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area and surrounding counties, this family medicine clinic also extends its reach to patients from Harrisonburg, counties south and west of Albemarle, and even as far as Manassas and Fairfax, demonstrating its commitment to accessible healthcare across a wide geographical area.
Ongoing Research in International and Refugee Medicine at our Family Medicine Clinic
UVA medical students play an integral role in IFMC, gaining invaluable experience in patient care and learning from experienced faculty about the specific medical and social challenges faced by international and refugee populations. This family medicine clinic serves as a vital training ground for future healthcare professionals, offering opportunities to:
- Participate in IFMC patient care: Students directly engage in providing care, enhancing their clinical skills and cultural competency.
- Research topics relevant to refugee and immigrant care: Students contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this specialized field through focused research projects.
- Complete sponsored summer research projects: Through programs like MSSRP, students can dedicate their summers to in-depth research related to refugee health.
- Pursue relevant research as part of a Masters of Public Health program: Integrating research with advanced public health studies.
These research initiatives, showcased here, underscore IFMC’s commitment to not only providing excellent patient care but also advancing the field of international and refugee medicine.
IFMC News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest developments at IFMC. Recently, Elizabeth Carpenter, RN, Care Coordinator for the International Family Medicine Clinic, and Fern Hauck, MD, MS, Director of the International Family Medicine Clinic, participated in an insightful webinar titled “GLOBO Spotlight: UVA Health’s International Family Medicine Clinic – How UVA Health’s IFMC is Improving Healthcare for Refugee Patients.” This webinar provided valuable insights into the clinic’s operations, its approach to culturally sensitive care, and the challenges and rewards of serving diverse patient populations.
By choosing the International Family Medicine Clinic, you are partnering with a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive healthcare for you and your family.
