One of Street Medicine St. Louis’s missions is to advocate for our unhoused neighbors. Street Med Volunteer Dr. Farrin Manian has taken this mission to heart, creating a unique regional symposium hosted by Mercy Hospital. This year, the second annual symposium was hosted on Jan 16, 2026, and featured an incredible program of nationally recognized experts as well as locals working directly in this space.
Kevin Fagan, a journalist who has dedicated his life to covering homelessness at the San Fransico Chronicle and the author of “The Lost and the Found,” shared insights from his decades-long career. He treated the audience to songs he wrote, inspired by homeless friends he had met through the years. Dr. Jim Withers, the founder of the International Street Medicine Institute and credited with coining the term “street medicine,” shared insights from his career. He explained how he has sought to use street medicine to bring humanism back into Medicine. Brett Feldman, one of the leaders of USC Street Medicine and a leading figure in the Street Medicine movement, shared his vision for the Re-Evolution of Street Medicine and how this movement can advance equity and social justice for those who are otherwise marginalized. We also got to hear from regional leaders about how the City and County are working to expand care and services to the homeless in the region.
The highlight of the day was our panel of patients. Three current and former Street Medicine St. Louis patients bravely took the stage to educate the audience about the hidden struggles of navigating the world as a homeless person. The audience was moved by their vulnerability and honesty, forming a line at the end of the session to give the participants a hug.
Street Medicine St. Louis was honored to be a part of this wonderful symposium. This conference was so well received that Dr. Manian and his work were featured by Catholic Health USA! We are already looking forward to the third iteration in January 2027.
Nathanial Nolan, MD MPH MHPE
