Medical Students Volunteer at Annual Pride Festival

(June 25, 2026) — Medical students from HOYA Clinic, a student-run free health clinic providing nonemergent medical services in D.C., and the Hoya Medical Pride Alliance (HMPA), a student-run LGBTQ+ organization, came together on June 21 to provide free health screenings at the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, D.C. The screenings reflect the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting health for all and serving the LGBTQ+ community.

A mix of preclinical and clinical students volunteered, along with Eileen Moore, MD, associate professor of medicine and family medicine, offering blood pressure and blood glucose screenings and rapid HIV testing to festival attendees.

The response from the community was overwhelming, making this one of HOYA Clinic’s busiest outreach events of the year. After being on-site for seven hours, volunteers conducted 193 blood pressure screenings, 162 blood glucose screenings, and 33 HIV screenings during the event.

“This was one of our highest-volume community events to date,” said Dhruvi Banerjee (M’29), one of the Hoya Clinic organizers.

Beyond the impressive screening numbers, volunteers enjoyed a memorable day filled with dance breaks and melted Popsicles. The event provided students with valuable clinical experience while strengthening connections with the broader Washington, D.C., community.

“We received tremendous appreciation from attendees, and it was incredibly rewarding to provide accessible health services while celebrating Pride with the community,” said Banerjee.

Heather Wilpone-Welborn
GUMC Communications