University of New England

Second annual Biddeford Free Clinic Turkey Trot 5K brings home the gravy

BIDDEFORD, Maine - Medical students at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) once again organized a successful road-race fundraiser to benefit the Biddeford Free Clinic on Nov. 17, 2007.

Luke Wood, MSIV, relaxes with a canine friend after finishing second at the Biddeford Free Clinic 5K on November 17th.

Medical student clubs and local businesses covered all race expenses, and race registrations raised over $1,100 for the clinic.

The Biddeford Free Clinic is a non-profit organization established in 1993 to provide medical care for the uninsured in York County in Southern Maine.

Race morning was cold but clear. More than 60 runners completed the race, ranging from top high school athletes to marathon runners to dog-walkers and stroller-pushers. Continuing a theme from last year, there was a large UNECOM student presence in the race. One of the race highlights involved a sprint to the finish by Ken Johnson, D.O., associate dean of clinical affairs at UNECOM.

Top female finishers were Anneke Mueller, Kim Schutzky, and Holly Haywood. Top male finishers were Luke Fontaine, UNECOM fourth-year student Luke Wood, and Daniel Kelleher.

Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP), the UNECOM club responsible for organizing the event, spent several months acquiring permits, advertising the race, and planning race particulars. Over 15 SSP members participated as traffic controllers, registration table officials, and timers. Because the race route meandered through active streets and thoroughfares, student organizers had to work closely with the Biddeford Police and Public Works departments to ensure the safety of all participants.

Race director Sam Tri, MSII, from Rochester, Minnesota, thought the race went very well. “I was very happy that all the runners were willing to bear the cold for a great cause,” he says, “and I was very grateful for the sponsors to pitch in to help. I was interested in helping out with the race because as a volunteer for the Biddeford Free Clinic, I realize the importance of such a great organization to this community.”

The Turkey Trot is not the first time medical students have offered their time and talents to the Clinic. Last year’s race raised more than $1,700, and dozens of students have volunteered several evenings a month to help conduct patient histories and check vital signs under the watchful eyes of physician volunteers. Other students volunteer in the Clinic’s pharmacy, gaining a practical knowledge of pharmaceuticals as they help to fill prescriptions. Still other students started a SugarBusters program to help diabetic patients manage their illness, and several more students designed a Smoking Cessation Program to assist addicted smokers.

UNECOM students and Sigma Sigma Phi members pose with a UNECOM banner at the awards ceremony after the Biddeford Free Clinic 5K race on November 17th.

(Press release posted Nov. 27, 2007)