What experiences have you had or activities have you participated in that have prepared you to work with underserved populations? 1,500 characters (currently 1,650)
(Underserved means those who do not have great access to health care, this typically tends to be in more rural areas but there are numerous sites in urban areas as well) Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have!
"Life is calling. How far will you go?" When I read this sign upon my return from a medical mission trip in Costa Rica, I knew I had a hunger for more "life". After attending an information session about the Peace Corps, I knew devoting two years to an underserved population while broadening my cultural awareness and learning a new language was exactly what I was looking for.
Now, two years later at the completion of my service I am confident that my experience has not only prepared me for working with the underserved but has also been a significant motivator as well. I work in the Western Highlands of Guatemala as a rural preventive health specialist. Every morning I begin my day in the health center and later go out to the villages to teach preventive health through the use of health promoter groups, HIV/AIDS prevention workshops, and home visits. I am in constant interaction with medically underserved families, teaching them as much as I possibly so they can lead healthier lifestyles.
My neighbors, coworkers, and friends have taught me invaluable lessons about their culture and how to work with them to achieve our goals. During my service I read "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman. It is a powerful story about the relationship between health care providers and a Hmong refugee family trying to find a cure for their epileptic daughter despite a constant battle of contradicting culture beliefs. Coupled with my experience working with the underserved abroad, I realized I could be the advocate for patients like these while practicing the best of both my worlds - medicine and working with the underserved.
(Underserved means those who do not have great access to health care, this typically tends to be in more rural areas but there are numerous sites in urban areas as well) Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have!
"Life is calling. How far will you go?" When I read this sign upon my return from a medical mission trip in Costa Rica, I knew I had a hunger for more "life". After attending an information session about the Peace Corps, I knew devoting two years to an underserved population while broadening my cultural awareness and learning a new language was exactly what I was looking for.
Now, two years later at the completion of my service I am confident that my experience has not only prepared me for working with the underserved but has also been a significant motivator as well. I work in the Western Highlands of Guatemala as a rural preventive health specialist. Every morning I begin my day in the health center and later go out to the villages to teach preventive health through the use of health promoter groups, HIV/AIDS prevention workshops, and home visits. I am in constant interaction with medically underserved families, teaching them as much as I possibly so they can lead healthier lifestyles.
My neighbors, coworkers, and friends have taught me invaluable lessons about their culture and how to work with them to achieve our goals. During my service I read "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman. It is a powerful story about the relationship between health care providers and a Hmong refugee family trying to find a cure for their epileptic daughter despite a constant battle of contradicting culture beliefs. Coupled with my experience working with the underserved abroad, I realized I could be the advocate for patients like these while practicing the best of both my worlds - medicine and working with the underserved.
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