As he finishes up his second year of Medical School at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Benjamin Popokh has his eye on specializing in surgical oncology and urology. The son of immigrants, he grew up in Plano, Texas, and was first inspired to become a doctor when his 12-year-old cousin was treated for brain cancer at the Medical Center.

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Popokh has volunteered with the student-run free clinics since his first year of medical school. He highlights the services offered to undertreated patients who benefit from free medications and no-cost referrals.

But it’s not just patients who benefit from each visit. Mr. Popokh and his fellow students get something in return.

“At the free clinics, medical trainees come up with creative solutions to unique and individualized patient challenges.” he said. “You can’t get that type of learning from a textbook.”

Learning and volunteering at the student-run free clinics has brought tremendous lessons about treating patients that go far beyond the value of the health care services being provided.

“The patients we serve are grateful for more than just affordable care. They are appreciative of us being there for them as people,” he said. “That’s a privilege that I am honored to have and share with my fellow medical students.”