Topahkal Health Collaborative, Albuquerque, New Mexico By Andru Ziwasimon, MD |
In 2004, a physician and a naturopathic doctor were invited to create an allopathic urgent care clinic to complement the ongoing work of the monthly traditional medicine clinic. We were joined by one of the traditional medicine practitioners who was also trained as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Together we formed the Topahkal Family Practice Office.
| “A core part of our clinic is our serious involvement in patient advocacy and system change.” |
The health needs of immigrants and the uninsured in Albuquerque are desperate. Institutional leaders focus on political games and competitive market edge instead of collaboration and creativity. The safety-net system in particular is overwhelmed. Funds are diverted to huge building projects and appointments can be as long as 3-4 months, with almost no same-day access available, forcing poor people to rely on the emergency room for routine care. Given this dire state of affairs, we opened our clinic with 100% same-day walk-in scheduling: no insurance or social security card needed, a fair price collected after the visit is over (not up front), and a very personal, homey environment.
Our clinic is in a small "converted" house at the back of the property of Sylvia Ledesma, one of the founding members of the Tophakal. The clinic has the capacity to do many services on-site, including labs, microscopy, ultrasound, procedures and biopsies, stitching, IV antibiotics/fluids and, of course, advocacy.
We charge $25 a consultation with small fees for medications and labs. To reduce unnecessary and bureaucratic overhead, no insurance is accepted and no malpractice is carried by practitioners. We are guided in our work by the leadership of the original circle of women. As we learn, we incorporate natural medicines into medical care, safely helping people reduce their dependence on antibiotics and quick-fix pills.
To date, we find that over 97% of our patients pay their bills. We have excellent feedback from patients and each month we are getting busier, growing by word of mouth. Our patients are predominately Spanish-speaking immigrants with a growing number of alternative-minded New Mexicans who appreciate the personal treatment and wider array of options offered.
A core part of our clinic is our serious involvement in patient advocacy and system change. We collaborate with community leaders, health workers, non-profits, the health department and any other agencies that are dedicated to putting the health of people and populations before profit.
Presently, we are looking to expand our practitioner team by another member. If you are interested in a two-year experience working as part of an independent, integrative/ holistic, health justice clinic serving anyone in need, get in touch! We would love to meet you. You can e-mail us at aziwa@null.net or call us at 505-319-3750.
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