What is LOCUS?

LOCUS is an extracurricular, longitudinal service-learning program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health that aims to enhance students' leadership knowledge and skills, self-awareness, and preparation for community health service.

Up to fifteen new fellows enter the program each year; students remain in the program until they graduate from medical school. Nearly fifty students have enrolled to date. A network of faculty mentors remains actively involved with LOCUS fellows to guide community health projects. Students, staff and faculty collaborate to improve the program to meet the needs of students and address health needs in communities.

The LOCUS program is based on our commitment to enhance equity and fairness in health care delivery and outcomes, and on the following principles.

Equity: Health is a fundamental human right; all individuals should have similar access to health care and opportunities for equitable treatment and outcomes.
Fairness: All individuals who seek health care, regardless of their circumstances and background, should be treated fairly and with respect and dignity.
Social justice: The attainment of the highest possible level of health is an important social goal; health is affected by many social determinants and not just access to health services.
Community and population health: Individual health is strongly affected by family, cultural and social determinants; physicians can make important contributions to improving health through community and population health programs.
Autonomy: Individuals and communities have the right to participate in health care planning and decision-making; they have the right to choose or to reject interventions.
Accountability: Health professionals have the responsibility to make the best use of available resources; to ensure that health services are high quality, effective and affordable; and to address problems to improve health system performance.
Service learning: LOCUS employs active learning methods; learning is enhanced when students are motivated and prepared to serve others, when they are able to participate in problem solving, and when they have opportunities for feedback and self-reflection.
Collaborative team-work: Health services are usually delivered by multidisciplinary teams; LOCUS encourages students to participate in community health efforts as team members and as leaders.