Specialty Care for Muslim Women: Integrating Services into a Free Clinic

Abstract

Noor Community Clinic (NCC) in Columbus, Ohio, is a free healthcare clinic run by medical students emphasizing care for underserved and uninsured Muslim patients. Recognizing a lack of focused care for Muslim women, NCC established a Women’s Health Clinic (WHC) in 2022 to provide educational pamphlets and medical services, including preventative care with pap smears and breast exams. This descriptive report analyzes important considerations when working with Muslim-predominant women and the primary concerns and services provided at the WHC. In 2022, the WHC provided care for 37 female patients aged 18 and older, with 83.5% preferring a language other than English. Common complaints included menstrual irregularity, vaginal pain, abnormal discharge, and non-Obstetrics and Gynecologic concerns. Despite the small sample size, the expansion of women's health services benefitted Muslim female patients of NCC. Future directions include expanding providers and services, increasing patient numbers, and evaluating patient satisfaction and needs.