On January 28, 2023, three medical students from the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine - Simrina Desar (MS2), Darby Graham (MS1), Samantha Zimmer (MS1) - and faculty member Adwoa Osei, MD volunteered at the Special Olympics MedFest in Orange County. MedFest is a community event where Special Olympics athletes can receive a free sports physical.

The partnership with Special Olympics provides UCR medical students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with patients with disabilities, putting their clinical knowledge and skills into practice while interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The UCR medical students performed the physicals under physician supervision and interacted with the athletes, gaining hands-on experience and developing a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs of patients with disabilities. The athletes benefited by being able to receive medical attention without the stress of visiting an enclosed doctor's office.

The professionalism and dedication of the UCR medical students did not go unnoticed. The leadership of the event was impressed with their work and many parents shared positive feedback, citing the student's engagement and patience with the athletes, making them feel comfortable during the process.