theVIPExperience Post #213: Maggie Fitzapatric

 

"I first learned about the Crossroad Volunteer Internship Program through a few students at Xavier that were currently in the position. The students expressed how much they have learned and were continuing to learn about different aspects of the medical field that they felt were aiding in preparing them to be better and more prepared for their future as healthcare providers. 
Crossroads mission and the role of a CVIP was something that really stood out to me and drew me towards applying for the position. Everyone, no matter their situation, color of skin, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc deserves quality healthcare and treatment. Unfortunately, that is not something our healthcare system has achieved quite yet and there is a large gap in access to healthcare. Crossroads helps to close that gap by providing quality healthcare to anyone including those that don’t have insurance. 
    My time at Crossroad as a VIP has been invaluable. My first rotation was the second semester of my junior year and I learned a lot about referrals and the obstacles some patients face when trying to schedule and transport to their appointments with specialists. I was able to improve my communication skills through calling patients to remind them of their appointments, asking if they’d like help scheduling their referrals and then calling doctor offices and hospitals to get them scheduled, and calling insurance companies to set up transportation service for patients that need help getting to and from their appointments. Through all of those I was also able to learn about the medical side of insurance and also how to chart medical information and use multiple charting systems. 
    My second rotation consists of the same activities but I have gotten to train new VIPs on everything we do. Being able to train individuals has been rewarding and provided me with better leadership skills that will also help better prepare me for my future career in medicine. Not only do I get the opportunity to help patients but help peers build their confidence in their communication skills, patient interaction skills, charting systems and ability to take on challenging patient cases. 
    I am very grateful for the opportunity to volunteer as a VIP at Crossroad and I will forever take the skills and insights I have learned here with me wherever I go as it will not only help me be a better future physician but also I believe they have helped me become a better person in our world".