Interning at Crossroads has provided me with experiences that have challenged me to evaluate and expand my ways of thinking about the reciprocity between community and healthcare. Growing up in a privileged household, I did not think much about access to healthcare beyond knowing I was sick and that my parents would take me to the doctors. My time as an intern at Crossroads has revealed the many faucets of healthcare and the barriers members within my community face when attempting to access care. I have witnessed the impacts of not being able to sustain consistent housing, transportation, phone access—and how those all of those factors effect an underserved population, potentially compromising patient care. As my time at Crossroads has made me aware of barriers and their consequences in healthcare, it has also educated me about resources that bridge the gaps in attempt to provide optimal care to each individual in the community.
Honestly, going into my role as a VIP, I was skeptical that my work would be impactful. Through talking with patients, listening to their struggles in accessing care, and assisting them however I can, I see the improvement of healthcare adherence and gratefulness in our patients that follows. Through serving as a VIP, I was humbled in my views and have grown to see the significance of every helping hand. I feel blessed to be able to play a role in this clinic, giving what I can, but also being given so much in return.
I have also learned more about the field of medicine and how it applies to my career goals. Shadowing Dr. Roberts, there were multiple times when he would call other doctors’ offices or pharmacies while the patient was still in the room in order to have a clearer communication between all people involved. I firsthand saw the impact of this, as this action dissipated communication errors and increased understanding of situations, improving patient care overall. I witnessed Dr. Roberts consistently carry this level of thoroughness to every appointment I observed. He would take the time to really listen to each patient and inform them about multiple ways to improve their health—whether it be about medicine, programs at the clinic, or attending referral appointments. As I pursue a career as a physician, being able to witness the inner-workings of a medical clinic comprised of passionate healthcare workers has inspired and influenced my future career goals.
Ultimately, my experience at Crossroads has equipped me with tools that will help me as a physician in identifying and navigating areas that compromise optimal patient care. It has caused my compassion for those within my community facing these obstacles to grow and has motivated me to do my part in bridging gaps as a prospective physician.
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