Thursday, May 13, 2021

#theVIPexperience Post #134: Aneesh Kathula

Having heard of the VIP program at Crossroad before coming to UC, I knew I wanted to be a VIP. I had

heard many good things from my brother’s friends about the program and knew it was something that

would be beneficial to my experience while also helping others in the Cincinnati community gain access

to healthcare. Joining the VIP during the pandemic was a little strange at first, but it was nice to have

something impactful to do during quarantine to make the pandemic feel less lonely. The monthly

meetings as well as talking to patients during the pandemic was a nice change of pace from online

classes and no human interaction besides my family—it gave a sense of normalcy through the pandemic.

As a future physician, Crossroad has given me the experience to not only strengthen my communication

skills with patients but also gain experience working within a team in a healthcare setting—two crucial

components of being a successful physician. Without Crossroad, I would not have gained the confidence

to talk to someone while only knowing their medical history and nothing else. Being a VIP has also given

me an outlet to support my Cincinnati community, while also giving me the means to lower barriers to

accessing healthcare, something I am truly passionate about. The VIP program has given me the grounds

to start that goal and I am grateful for it.


I would recommend any student wanting to pursue a field in healthcare to volunteer as a VIP in order to

give them more experience and truly make an impact in people’s lives through their healthcare.

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