Axis Medical Center
Dear Colleagues,
Universal Medical Services dba Axis was founded by an endocrinologist from Tanzania 12 years ago to serve a community of patients ethnically and culturally isolated in Minnesota. Ninety Seven percent of Axis patients are first generation immigrants, or family of immigrants. The primary language spoken in the clinic is either Somali or Oromo, followed closely by Swahili, then English.
Over the years Axis has grown steadily from one to three locations. In 2019 there were over 20,000 patient encounters! In the face of such a daunting uphill climb, a Sisyphean push to serve the community where 55% of the patients served have-or are on the way to-diabetes, Axis envisions adding eye care, behavioral health, and dentistry.
As a Look-Alike Axis is in full compliance with all HRSA requirements. Yet that which limits our growth and initiatives is funding. For example, Axis sits at the epicenter of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota- Axis patients have been admitted to the ICU and sadly have died -yet received zero in supplemental funding from HRSA, and zero of the $50 million appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature. We ask: does our staff not deserve PPE protection? If our patients are cut, do they not bleed?
Axis actively embraces education as a model with more than half of the staff currently taking college courses, and having launched 4 staff into medical school in the last 2 years. Dr. Juan Lewis, a kindhearted doctor with a passion for family medicine, is our most tenured preceptor and provider. Dr. Lewis has been recognized by Augsburg College, Walden University, and Des Moines University's College of Osteopathic Medicine as an outstanding preceptor. Zahra Roble, a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner was born in Somalia, is now Medical Director. Dr. Obsa Hassan arrived in Minnesota in the 10th grade from Ethiopia, completed Medical School at the University of Minnesota, and now serves this community.
Such is only a small sampling of the minds and hearts that make up a community healthcare center dedicated to community health.
Jonathan k. James, MPH, PhD, Epidemiology
