In the vibrant cityscape of Los Angeles, a silent crisis has permeated every corner of the city. Its homeless population, already burdened by the harsh realities of life on the streets, faces an additional and often overlooked challenge - mental health. From the debilitating grip of depression to the whirlwind of other severe conditions, these individuals confront daily battles that remain largely unseen—and untreated.
Dr. Michael Everest, who has dedicated his life and career to the advancement of medical education, points out that lack of access to quality care, pervasive stigma, and social isolation further compound the plight of the epidemic of the homeless in Los Angeles. “There’s an urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and interventions tailored to this population. Accessible healthcare solutions must not remain jargon or words we throw around. We must take concrete steps toward mending this gap and providing meaningful care,” he reflects.
As the founder of edYOU, a web3 education platform, and Chairman of Residents Medical Consultancy, a leading provider of Graduate Medical Education services, Dr. Everest has, thus far, pioneered several innovative strategies to enhance America’s research hospitals and improve patient care globally.
With Residents Medical, in particular, Dr. Everest has aimed to level the playing field for the countless international and American medical students fighting to secure a spot in ACGME-accredited residency training programs.
Everest explains that the organization helps medical students and graduates navigate the residency application processes by providing USMLE Licensing Prep Services, and residency program integration so that its cohorts can prove themselves for a coveted medical residency position. Its sister organization helps community-based hospitals start and manage ACGME-accredited training programs to help alleviate the doctor shortage in America. Adjusting to the evolution of AI in all things, Everest started edYOU, a Safe AI program takes education to the next level. By leveraging the power of its patented tech, this AI Tutoring Service, available 24/7, offers a customized learning experience for every student, adapting to their unique academic needs and learning pace.
“Our vision is to empower every student, regardless of their background, with the right tools and guidance to achieve their residency and fellowship dreams by gaining exemplary scores on the board examinations,” he shares.
Yet, beyond that, another profound philosophy underscores every one of Dr. Everest’s endeavors: to give a voice to the voiceless and support the marginalized and the disadvantaged.
Living by these principles, Residents Medical has innovated and led the way by starting its third ACGME-accredited medical residency training program. This groundbreaking concept is practical in creating more training positions, thus creating more board-certified doctors. Residents Medical is in the process of starting an ACGME-Accredited Psychiatry Residency training program. This initiative is geared toward assisting Brain Health USA, California's largest mental health organization, in delivering critical psychiatric care to LA's homeless and vulnerable population. Along with starting a medical residency program in much-needed Psychiatry, Everest’s edYOU will create an Emotional Support Friend named Hannah, a life-like human that will be available 24/7 conversationally to help Brain Health's patients speak to her when the need arises.
Committed to addressing the complex mental health needs of LA's most in-need demographics, the program offers ACGME-accredited medical residency training tailored specifically for psychiatry resident physicians.
Dr. Everest highlights that post-graduate doctors will collaborate closely with a number of local organizations and healthcare providers, taking mental health care directly to those who need it the most via mobile clinics.
“Brain Health USA serves over 1500 psychiatry patients daily, and their efforts have been amazing, but the infrastructure as it is right now simply can’t handle this much pressure,” Dr. Everest states. “With the new residency program, we hope to double the number of daily patient interactions and bridge the chasm between mental health providers and our most vulnerable members of society.”
The success of this ambitious project undoubtedly lies in its collaborative approach. However, far beyond that, it’s the mobile clinics that are poised for an even deeper impact.
The mobile clinics promise a revolutionary approach to healthcare delivery. It’s a genuinely transformative model that will enable the provision of immediate on-site psychiatric services, breaking down barriers of time, distance, and stigma that are often associated with mental health treatments.
Simply put, by bringing the services directly to the streets, parks, and shelters, the program and its devoted residents will ensure that no individual is left uncared for due to a lack of access.
Reflecting on the project, Dr. Everest shares his enthusiasm, “Imagine a world where help comes to you, rather than you having to seek it out. For a population that often struggles with transportation, stability, and access, this could mean the difference between receiving care or continuing to suffer in silence. This is precisely the difference we aspire to make.”
Furthermore, these mobile clinics may also serve as a vital educational platform. Through their outreach, they can dispel myths and misconceptions about mental health, fostering a culture of understanding and empathy. This could potentially lead to more people seeking help, thus reducing the negative impacts of untreated mental illness on the community.
Residents Medical’s project is not just about treating mental illnesses, however. It's just as much about restoring dignity and hope.
The mobile clinics symbolize a societal commitment to care for all its members, regardless of their circumstances. They stand as a powerful reminder that every life matters, every story deserves to be heard, and that healing is possible—even in the most dire of circumstances.
