Several of my classes have had discussions over the social determinants of health and the adversities they bring upon impoverished patients. What barriers are there to healthcare? Where do these barriers stem from? How do they impact those patients? Most importantly, how can we tear down these barriers? With a wide spectrum of students, these discussions generate creative, idealistic ideas, yet they fail to consider the most important perspective – the patient’s perspective.
Each patient is going through a different scenario, and as a Crossroad’s VIP, I have been able to listen to their stories. Ultimately, I have learned that patients are busy. They working to provide for their family. They are taking care of their family and children. They are taking care of their own well-being. Often times, one of these may take precedence over the others, and so taking time out of their schedule for to make and go to referral appointment can be difficult. Fortunately, as a VIP, we can enter their stories for the better.
Scheduling referrals may seem like a small favor one can do, but when you are one the line with an office for over 45 minutes, fighting with them on what days and times the patients are available, you quickly realize what it means to be a patient advocate. I do not back down with the providers because I know the patients are relying on me to find a time that fits their schedule. Fortunately, it works, and the patients are always grateful for doing so.
Thus, my time as a Crossroad’s VIP has broadened my understanding of the social determinants of health and what it means to be a patient advocate through one-on-one conversations with the patients and specialist offices. I have developed my ability to simply listen to the patients and work together to figure out what days will work. Ultimately, my time as VIP has prepared me for a future in medicine.
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