A student team from the Academy of Integrated Science’s Integrated Science Curriculum (ISC) is working hard to organize a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic that will bring free medical, dental, and vision services to Giles County this fall. 

The two-day event will operate as an open, first-come, first-served clinic. Patients do not need to pre-register - anyone in need of care is welcome. Numbered tickets will be distributed early each morning to help manage flow and ensure fairness. Organizers expect to serve between 300 and 400 patients, with support from more than 150 volunteers, including healthcare professionals as well as students.

“This clinic is important because it directly addresses healthcare access gaps in rural areas like Giles County, where many people face financial, geographic, or insurance barriers to care,” said Anya Muju, one of the student organizers for the clinic. “Beyond immediate care, we want the clinic to shine a light on healthcare disparities and inspire ongoing community engagement. Our hope is to make this clinic a yearly tradition.” 

Muju, Nikita Sirigi, Krithikaa Arun, and Satvika Aruva, all Clinical Neuroscience students are working with Biochemistry student Charan Narra to organize the clinic. Muju, Sirigi, Arun and Narra all participated in the Integrated Science Curriculum during their first two years at Virginia Tech.

Planning for the clinic began in February and has focused on recruiting volunteers, securing resources, and fundraising. To date, about $12,000 has been raised toward the $25,000–$35,000 goal. Donations will cover costs such as lodging for out-of-town providers, meals for volunteers working long days, and essential supplies. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to enable community members to contribute directly.

For more information or to support the project, visit the GoFundMe page here.