The KNIGHTS (Keeping Neighbors In Good Health Through Service) Clinic is coordinated by medical students at UCF COM and staffed by student and physician volunteers from all areas of study, including medical, nursing, undergraduate, and graduate students, working in interdisciplinary teams alongside community collaborators and under the guided supervision of licensed practitioners. We serve Orlando and neighboring communities through direct health care services, health promotion, disease prevention, social support, case management, and appropriate referrals to medical and social resources in the community with funding from the Diebel Legacy Fund.
The Diebel Legacy Fund at Central Florida Foundation grew out of a tragic community event. On June 8, 2002, Dr. Donald Diebel Jr. lost his life while giving medical assistance to a newly married couple who had overturned their vehicle on the Florida Turnpike median. As he and firefighter Shane Kelly, and several other Good Samaritans, worked at the rain-slicked scene of the accident to help free the young couple, a tractor trailer lost control and struck the site, instantly killing both men and injuring several others who were also offering assistance.
Active in Medical Missionary work throughout his college career, it was only after Don was lost that we realized the real depth of his commitment to serving less fortunate members of the community. And it is from this seed of selfless commitment planted by Dr. Donald Diebel Jr. during his lifetime that this Orlando non-profit continues to grow today.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact:
Reanne Mathai, Clinic Co-director (reannemathai@knights.ucf.edu)
Gary Salomon, Clinic Co-director (salomon.gary@knights.ucf.edu)
The International Medical Samaritans Program Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that supports students demonstrating a dedication to volunteerism and academic excellence. As we strive to cultivate a student culture of social and global responsibility through medicine, this scholarship is essential giving the opportunity for medical students to serve internationally who would otherwise be financially unable. For this reason, KNIGHTS Clinic is honored and thankful for the Diebel Legacy Fund at Central Florida Foundation’s generous and continued support, and we greatly appreciate their dedication to service within and across our borders!
Learn more about the KNIGHTS Clinic here.