Najim Salman walked into the Islamic Center of Greater Lansing for a series of medical tests Monday and left with a smile on his face.
"A clean bill of health," he said at the center's 920 S. Harrison Ave. location.
Salman, and about 40 other local residents from different backgrounds, attended the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine's second annual free health screening. It was held to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his passion for racial and cultural equality.
First- and second-year medical students administered tests for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol.
In addition to gaining hands-on medical experience, the students also learned how to treat Islamic patients while respecting cultural boundaries, said Sandy Kilbourn, executive director of external programs for the college.
"Not only can we provide medical services, but our physicians become more culturally experienced," she said.
Students are able to experience situations that aren't taught in the classroom, said Shaun Wahab, a second-year medical student and member of the Islamic Center.
"It gives students the opportunity to practice skills in cultural and religious training," he said. "We like to do things in the community that we can't teach in the classroom. We like to give people some sort of sensitivity to cultural diversity."
Islamic patients follow medical rules within the context of the Quran. According to the Islamic Medical Association of North America, Islamic patients and physicians should be the same gender, all unnecessary exposure of the body should be avoided and patients have the right to not seek treatment, among other regulations.
David Rawlinson, a first-year medical student, said the experience was a welcomed change from regular classes.
"I'm trying to give back, and it helps to get away from the books," he said. "A lot of times, when in medical school, we don't get a lot of time to experience who we're really working for."
Event organizers planned on seeing about 100 patients, but harsh weather conditions limited the number of participants, said Pat Grauer, public relations director for the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
"The students are learning about each other, and we feel that was what Dr. King was all about," she said.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is frequently misinterpreted, Wahab said.
"It's not just a day off," he said. "Martin Luther King Jr. Day is about serving. This is our opportunity to reach out to the community. We're often so busy, it's nice to do this."
For Salman, the free testing was a welcomed service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
"I appreciate what they do for the community," he said. "It's a day of freedom, a day to show (that) if you stand for what's right, you'll get it."
