theVIPExperience Post #214: Lane Bokros

 

"I joined Crossroad in the Spring 2024 rotation. I had eyed the program with some interest for several years, and in my junior year, I finally decided to go for it! I'm so glad to be a part of Crossroad and this program, and I look forward to continuing it over the summer and into next year. I've had various clinical and research experiences during my time in college, but the VIP has been very unique and informative. In this day in age, I think most people are aware of the struggle it is to obtain proper healthcare, but few, including myself before joining Crossroad, see this struggle firsthand.

    Experiencing how difficult it can be to schedule appointments that we may otherwise take for granted is very eye-opening. Many aspects of this process, from start to finish, I have never honestly thought twice about until now. Seeing how those without access to adequate resources have to navigate the healthcare systems can be a reality check. Calling countless specialists and hospitals, searching for those who would take certain insurance can be a battle in itself, which is then compounded when a patient might need assistance with transportation. Furthermore, the patient may also need a translator or representative with them at this appointment. There are so many layers of depth to the convolution of the healthcare system, which can be made even harder to navigate due to intersectional disadvantages.

   I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity that Crossroad has presented to widen my experience and truly appreciate my privilege. Furthermore, the ability to help those who need it most is fulfilling and gratifying and I look forward to my shift every week. I can't wait to take all of this experience and knowledge with me to whatever medical opportunities I pursue next".

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".

theVIPExperience Post #212: Vishva Patel

 

"I first found out about Crossroad through a newsletter, and a friend of mine who was already a Volunteer Intern (VIP) spoke highly of the program. Intrigued by her positive experiences, I reached out to her for more information. She shared how the program not only provided valuable experience but also allowed her to make a real difference in the community. Her enthusiasm encouraged me to apply, and I’m so glad I did.

As a VIP, my main role is to schedule referral appointments for patients. Many individuals in underserved communities struggle with challenges such as transportation issues, language barriers, and lack of insurance. By assisting with the scheduling of appointments and providing information about available resources, we help make healthcare more accessible for these patients. While I had some theoretical knowledge of the challenges faced by underserved communities, talking to patients over the phone brought those challenges to life. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is witnessing the positive impact our support has on patients. For many, just knowing that someone is there to help can make a huge difference. My experience at Crossroad has also helped me grow both personally and professionally. Every day presents new challenges, and no two referrals are the same. This unpredictability has taught me to think quickly and adapt to different situations, improving my communication skills along the way.

My time at Crossroad has been an incredible learning journey. I’ve gained insights into the complexities of the healthcare system, and I am confident that this knowledge will shape me into a more effective healthcare provider in the future. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be a VIP and look forward to continuing this journey".

#theVIPexperience Post #211: MJ Jaboin

 

"Moving into my second rotation at Crossroad has been a very impactful experience. As long as I can remember I have wanted to go into medicine and knew that most of what I wanted to do was to help people in lower income households and neighborhoods. All I would ever think is that I’ll do it when I become a doctor, but how could I start helping now? When I stumbled upon Crossroad, I had no idea the impact it would have on me or me on it. Although a seemingly simple and small job, I’ve been able to help so many people from various backgrounds. Most of the people that come through Crossroad have a hard time prioritizing their health. They can’t or don’t have time to schedule their referrals or a follow up with their doctor. This is when we come in, and it surprised me how thankful people are for something that I think is simply part of my job.

 

I recall a patient whom we had been trying to schedule for months, but had been unable to find a translator, but no one gave up on making sure he got the proper care. When we were finally able to schedule them for their appointment, they were endlessly thankful, and it really shows how small actions can have the biggest impact sometimes. There are days when I come in that I’m tired and don’t feel like making calls all the time, but I remember that this job is bigger than me, and the impact I make on people is well worth it even through the exhaustion.

As I finish my second rotation, and move into my third, I will always be thankful for all that CVIP has taught me. I hope I continue to learn more as I move forward".

#theVIPexperience Post #210: Kevin Krebs

     "My experience with Crossroad Health Center began in my summer leading into my freshman year of college. This experience was sparked by an email that came across my computer from my University of Cincinnati email account titled: "Crossroad Health Center Volunteer Internship Program." This was the first email I received that was not regarding move in dates or class scheduling. I clicked on the email and within seconds I was captivated by the amazing, inspiring description of what it is to be a CVIP as well as the inspiring mission that the Crossroad Health Center organization is currently embarking on and fulfilling. After observing how truly special the Crossroad Health Center organization is and the values it holds, immediately I knew I had to be part of it and replied to the email at the instant asking how I could get involved even though I was not in college yet!

    With this desire and ambition to become involved within this wonderful organization, thankfully I was accepted into this amazing program! From the first day of my volunteering experience, I knew I made the right decision and could not wait to begin learning about what it means to be a CVIP and how much of an impact I could make while being a part of this program. From the moment where I made my very first patient interaction, to now where I've likely made hundreds, I can honestly say I have learned a truly inspiring amount, as well as gained brand new perspectives on patient care and how big of an impact anyone working in patient care can make.

    One of these perspectives includes how difficult it can be for some to gain access to healthcare. Initially, this observation caught me completely off-guard as prior to this experience, I had no real exposure to the side of medicine that is often ignored and rarely taught in school". 

#theVIPexperience Post: #209 Subhan Khalid

 "My experience with the Crossroad Volunteer Internship Program (CVIP) has profoundly broadened my understanding of our healthcare system and the importance of patient-centered care. A conversation with a friend, who was already interning with CVIP, piqued my curiosity about the intricate aspects of healthcare insurance, challenges faced by underserved and rural communities, and the art of effective patient communication. With aspirations of becoming a healthcare professional, joining the CVIP seemed like a golden opportunity for me to learn more about healthcare. This internship offered more than just professional growth, it presented a chance to address and bridge the healthcare barriers that patients encounter. On my first day as a VIP, I felt overwhelmed by the myriad of procedures and regulations I was to be working with daily. Engaging in patient-centric volunteer work for the first time, I was apprehensive, especially when tasked with making my first call. I thought of various worst-case scenarios in my mind, imagining the guilt I would feel if I messed up. However, with each subsequent call, I steadily grew accustomed to the standard protocols, gradually overcoming my initial thoughts. What struck me most during my time as a CVIP was the intricate web of logistics woven into patient healthcare, many of which were previously unknown to me. This experience allowed me to witness the profound influence of social determinants on health outcomes, showcasing the systematic hurdles countless patients face. Witnessing firsthand the challenges that underserved patients deal with was an eye-opener. From financial constraints and transportation to language barriers, the obstacles were manifold. Furthermore, it does not help that patients have to wait months for appointments and long hours spent on phone calls to schedule a referral. With their already demanding schedule, many relied on us to ensure they had access to care. My journey as a CVIP has not just been a learning experience, but a reminder of the gaps that exist in our healthcare system and the urgent need for reforms that place patients at the heart of care."

#theVIPexperience Post #208: Mikki Rodgers

   "I first found out about the Crossroad Volunteer Internship program through a professor at my university. He sent out a post about it during the summer, and I applied later that week. Little did I know that this experience would shape my understanding of healthcare accessibility and reinforce my commitment to serving underserved communities.

    As a VIP at Crossroad, my main role is to act as a referral specialist for patients at the clinic. My role is pivotal in connecting individuals from underserved communities with the healthcare services they need. Growing up as a minority in a predominantly white area, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those who are underrepresented in accessing quality healthcare. This internship has provided me with a platform to address these disparities directly. Because of Crossroad, I have come to appreciate the importance of culturally competent care. Many individuals from underserved communities face barriers beyond just physical access to healthcare, including language barriers, cultural differences, and socioeconomic challenges. As a VIP, I strive to not only connect patients with healthcare services, but also to ensure that these services are tailored to meet their unique needs and circumstances.

     One of the most impactful aspects of this internship has been the opportunity to shadow a doctor for the first time. Shadowing has allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of medical practice and patient care. It has truly been a transformative experience to witness firsthand the dedication and compassion with which healthcare professionals serve their patients.

    I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve those in need. This internship has reinforced my passion for healthcare equity and deepened my commitment to advocating for those who are overlooked or marginalized. Moving forward, I am eager to continue working towards a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all".