So this was my last week volunteering at Casa Juan Diego for the service learning project. However, I will be continuing to spend my Friday mornings volunteering at the clinic.
This Friday was pretty laid back. Only about 15 patients showed up, and with 2 doctors, everything moved fairly quickly. All of the girls who live in the Catholic Worker House are so sweet, and I have really learned a lot from their pleasant attitudes throughout this process.
I have taken a lot away from this Service Learning Project. I have definitely learned how much of a problem access to healthcare is for so many people in our own country, and I think that I will maintain this awareness when I am a doctor. I have learned that even neurosurgeons have time to volunteer sometimes, and change lives by providing healthcare. I have learned that stereotypes are often not true and that good people are sometimes just in very unfortunate situations. What a great experience, and I am glad that it will continue, and I will continue to see inspiring people who are willing to do anything to get healthcare for themselves and their families.
Thanks for a great semester, Dr. Rosell! :)
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Week 8
Although we did not have clinic the day after Thanksgiving (the doctors didn't want to wake up early!), there was clinic the week before.
It was a pretty relaxed week. We had three doctors show up, so luckily everyone was taken care of! I did have an experience which I found moving and really showed me a lot about the people who I am helping with my volunteering. I was running a couple minutes late, so I hurried out of my car when I arrived at the clinic. I guess my wallet was at the top of my bag, because apparently it fell out of my bag and onto the street. About 20 minutes after I arrived, one of the volunteers handed me my wallet (which I hadn't even noticed had fallen out of my bag), and said that one of the patients had found it on the street. I was so grateful, and really touched by the fact that someone so poor would still be a good enough person to return a wallet that they found on the street, without taking anything out of it.
Sometimes it is so easy to judge people because of their appearances or the conditions in which they live. Honestly, I would have thought that some of the people who come to the clinic would have found the wallet and kept it for themselves. However, this week's incident really showed me that you can't judge a book by it's cover, and that these truly are good people who just live in unfortunate conditions. In a city with such a large Hispanic population, it is important not to judge people by their financial or economic situations, and to remember that they are people who deserve dignity (and access to healthcare), just the same as anyone else.
It was a pretty relaxed week. We had three doctors show up, so luckily everyone was taken care of! I did have an experience which I found moving and really showed me a lot about the people who I am helping with my volunteering. I was running a couple minutes late, so I hurried out of my car when I arrived at the clinic. I guess my wallet was at the top of my bag, because apparently it fell out of my bag and onto the street. About 20 minutes after I arrived, one of the volunteers handed me my wallet (which I hadn't even noticed had fallen out of my bag), and said that one of the patients had found it on the street. I was so grateful, and really touched by the fact that someone so poor would still be a good enough person to return a wallet that they found on the street, without taking anything out of it.
Sometimes it is so easy to judge people because of their appearances or the conditions in which they live. Honestly, I would have thought that some of the people who come to the clinic would have found the wallet and kept it for themselves. However, this week's incident really showed me that you can't judge a book by it's cover, and that these truly are good people who just live in unfortunate conditions. In a city with such a large Hispanic population, it is important not to judge people by their financial or economic situations, and to remember that they are people who deserve dignity (and access to healthcare), just the same as anyone else.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Reflections
Clinic was cancelled this Friday. Although I have already about 15 hours at the clinic, I am going to continue volunteering there most Fridays. The experience is very rewarding, and I have gained and continue to gain much insight about how much of a privilege healthcare is...a privilege that not everyone has.
When I become a doctor, I do not think that I will ever be fluent enough in Spanish to volunteer at Casa Juan Diego, but I think that it will be important for me to give back to those in the community who do not have access to healthcare. This summer at my internship at BCM, one of the doctors was saying that he is tired of seeing all these pre med students going on medical mission trips to other countries when there is so much poverty and lack of access to healthcare here in America. It really stood out to me when he said this. I think that it is very important for people in the medical field to recognize that although the United States is not a developing country, healthcare access is still a huge problem which is the responsibility of all healthcare professionals.
Volunteering at Casa Juan Diego not only exposes me to the poverty which is so abundant in Houston, but also makes me aware of what I may be able to do to help people now and as I continue my career in the medical field.
When I become a doctor, I do not think that I will ever be fluent enough in Spanish to volunteer at Casa Juan Diego, but I think that it will be important for me to give back to those in the community who do not have access to healthcare. This summer at my internship at BCM, one of the doctors was saying that he is tired of seeing all these pre med students going on medical mission trips to other countries when there is so much poverty and lack of access to healthcare here in America. It really stood out to me when he said this. I think that it is very important for people in the medical field to recognize that although the United States is not a developing country, healthcare access is still a huge problem which is the responsibility of all healthcare professionals.
Volunteering at Casa Juan Diego not only exposes me to the poverty which is so abundant in Houston, but also makes me aware of what I may be able to do to help people now and as I continue my career in the medical field.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Week Seven
I hadn't been to Casa Juan Diego in two weeks after being at the Phoenix conference and then one week where clinic was cancelled. It was definitely good to be back (although it was difficult to wake up early after apoptosis lab on Thursday!). This week wasn't too busy, and we were remarkably organized.
The most rewarding thing I learned this week was actually about one of the doctors who volunteers at the clinic about half of the time. He was a very esteemed neurosurgeon here in Houston when a couple of years ago he decided to shut down his practice and open a free clinic in Mexico. His wife and child continue to live in Houston, and he comes home on the weekends and some weeks, but the rest of the time he goes to mexico to provide medical care for those who cannot afford it there. As if that wasn't enough charity, he continues to volunteer free medical care for immigrants at Casa Juan Diego whenever he is in Houston. Hearing how much this doctor gives back to the community was really inspiring, and something that I think will stay with me when I become a doctor.
The most rewarding thing I learned this week was actually about one of the doctors who volunteers at the clinic about half of the time. He was a very esteemed neurosurgeon here in Houston when a couple of years ago he decided to shut down his practice and open a free clinic in Mexico. His wife and child continue to live in Houston, and he comes home on the weekends and some weeks, but the rest of the time he goes to mexico to provide medical care for those who cannot afford it there. As if that wasn't enough charity, he continues to volunteer free medical care for immigrants at Casa Juan Diego whenever he is in Houston. Hearing how much this doctor gives back to the community was really inspiring, and something that I think will stay with me when I become a doctor.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Week Five
The scheduling has been really crazy the last couple of weeks, but I never blogged about how awesome week five was! Sorry things are a bit out of order, hopefully we'll be back on track soon!
Week five was a pretty fun week. Something about the energy in the clinic was more positive than usual. There were no patients there who appeared to be really sick (which is good!) and they all seemed very friendly. Because I do not speak Spanish, the majority of my communication with the patients is through body language, AKA I smile at them a lot. Sometimes I feel guilty for smiling because when they look back at me they just look so sad. But this week everyone smiled back. You can tell but their eyes that they really are appreciative of the help they are receiving.
The only really sad thing is that we have to turn children away on Fridays. There is a pediatrician who comes to the clinic on the weekends, but the adult doctors who come on Fridays do not see pediatric patients. There was one 15 year old boy who insisted that he could be treated as an adult. Although we could not help him on that day, it really showed me that so many of the kids in these situations have to grow up really quickly. They have to deal with very hard issues at very young ages, forcing them to grow up sooner than children who don't have to deal with such difficult issues. Once again, I felt very blessed to have grown up in the way that I did!
Week five was a pretty fun week. Something about the energy in the clinic was more positive than usual. There were no patients there who appeared to be really sick (which is good!) and they all seemed very friendly. Because I do not speak Spanish, the majority of my communication with the patients is through body language, AKA I smile at them a lot. Sometimes I feel guilty for smiling because when they look back at me they just look so sad. But this week everyone smiled back. You can tell but their eyes that they really are appreciative of the help they are receiving.
The only really sad thing is that we have to turn children away on Fridays. There is a pediatrician who comes to the clinic on the weekends, but the adult doctors who come on Fridays do not see pediatric patients. There was one 15 year old boy who insisted that he could be treated as an adult. Although we could not help him on that day, it really showed me that so many of the kids in these situations have to grow up really quickly. They have to deal with very hard issues at very young ages, forcing them to grow up sooner than children who don't have to deal with such difficult issues. Once again, I felt very blessed to have grown up in the way that I did!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Week Six (Week Five will be posted next week)
This week was one probably the saddest week so far at Casa Juan Diego. The morning started out normally--hectic but still under control. As the people were checking in I was finding medical records and making we had everything we needed so that we would be prepared when the doctor showed up.
Before the doctors can see the patients, the volunteers who speak Spanish always interview them, taking their temperatures, blood pressure, and weight and asking them why they have come to the clinic. Usually the problems they are experiencing are not too extreme, but there was a very sick woman this week.
In the process of immigrating from Honduras, she was unable to eat for a long time, which really messed up her GI track. Since then she has been unable to eat at all, throwing everything up, and has become very sick. She should have seen a doctor earlier, but was too scared. The doctor at the clinic this week said that she really needed to go to the emergency room because she was doing so poorly.
Once again, my experience really put my life into perspective. It is so sad that some people do not have access to healthcare--it is so hard for me to imagine. My experience here shows me the real service aspect of medicine. When I am a doctor I think I will have the skills and training to serve the community, especially those who most need medical attention.
Before the doctors can see the patients, the volunteers who speak Spanish always interview them, taking their temperatures, blood pressure, and weight and asking them why they have come to the clinic. Usually the problems they are experiencing are not too extreme, but there was a very sick woman this week.
In the process of immigrating from Honduras, she was unable to eat for a long time, which really messed up her GI track. Since then she has been unable to eat at all, throwing everything up, and has become very sick. She should have seen a doctor earlier, but was too scared. The doctor at the clinic this week said that she really needed to go to the emergency room because she was doing so poorly.
Once again, my experience really put my life into perspective. It is so sad that some people do not have access to healthcare--it is so hard for me to imagine. My experience here shows me the real service aspect of medicine. When I am a doctor I think I will have the skills and training to serve the community, especially those who most need medical attention.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Week Four (after 1 week off)
Well this morning it was back to Casa Juan Diego after taking a week off because I had a Quant test.
The day did not start out great because I woke up late and had to rush like crazy to get there on time (I was still ~5 minutes late). However, things picked up as soon as I arrived. Three doctors ended up volunteering today (usually there are only 1 or 2 max), so we were able to accept way more patients than usually, which was really exciting! Turning people away is always the hardest thing to do, so it was good to be able to offer care to so many people today.
I feel much more useful now than when I started because I understand the filing systems they use, I know where things belong, and I know what needs to be done and when. Because I am the only one who speaks no Spanish, I am glad that I have found a way to be productive and helpful from behind the scenes, even though I cannot directly interact with the patients.
Sometimes it amazes me how much communication is non-verbal. I was able to assist 2 patients today, one needed to get into the restroom, and a little kid lost his toy. Even though we couldn't say words to each other (well they said words to me but I didn't understand) I was still able to communicate with them and help them out.
Today I was extra aware of not burdening others with my daily trials. I was up late studying for 2 quizzes today, so I was dragging a little. But I was aware that everyone else was probably as, if not more, tired as I was, so I kept reminding myself just to smile, and that I could sleep in tomorrow. I know that when I am a doctor I will often feel exhausted, but I must never make a patient feel as though they are a burden on me because I am too tired.
The doctors at the clinic simply amaze me. They are so sweet and kind to each patient...the mere fact that they wake up early every Friday to serve the underprivileged for absolutely no payment is so honorable. They all seem very humble and compassionate people. I know that when I am a doctor I will strive to emulate those characteristics.
Even though I'm always so tired when I'm going to Casa Juan Diego, as soon as I'm there I know that waking up early was worth it. :)
The day did not start out great because I woke up late and had to rush like crazy to get there on time (I was still ~5 minutes late). However, things picked up as soon as I arrived. Three doctors ended up volunteering today (usually there are only 1 or 2 max), so we were able to accept way more patients than usually, which was really exciting! Turning people away is always the hardest thing to do, so it was good to be able to offer care to so many people today.
I feel much more useful now than when I started because I understand the filing systems they use, I know where things belong, and I know what needs to be done and when. Because I am the only one who speaks no Spanish, I am glad that I have found a way to be productive and helpful from behind the scenes, even though I cannot directly interact with the patients.
Sometimes it amazes me how much communication is non-verbal. I was able to assist 2 patients today, one needed to get into the restroom, and a little kid lost his toy. Even though we couldn't say words to each other (well they said words to me but I didn't understand) I was still able to communicate with them and help them out.
Today I was extra aware of not burdening others with my daily trials. I was up late studying for 2 quizzes today, so I was dragging a little. But I was aware that everyone else was probably as, if not more, tired as I was, so I kept reminding myself just to smile, and that I could sleep in tomorrow. I know that when I am a doctor I will often feel exhausted, but I must never make a patient feel as though they are a burden on me because I am too tired.
The doctors at the clinic simply amaze me. They are so sweet and kind to each patient...the mere fact that they wake up early every Friday to serve the underprivileged for absolutely no payment is so honorable. They all seem very humble and compassionate people. I know that when I am a doctor I will strive to emulate those characteristics.
Even though I'm always so tired when I'm going to Casa Juan Diego, as soon as I'm there I know that waking up early was worth it. :)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Week Three
This week was crazy at the Catholic Worker House!!! We were short on volunteers, the clinic was running late, and everyone seemed to be in a bad mood. I had to remind myself multiple times not to get frustrated with anyone because I am doing this to serve those people who have no healthcare and no where else to go.
The two girls who really know what they were doing were out of town this week, so it was just me, another new girl, and one girl who lives in the house but also tries to help out in the clinic. The woman who runs the house seemed a little bit frustrated with us because we kept making mistakes and weren't moving fast enough. Even though part of me wanted to say some snide comment, I kept smiling and just tried to work as fast as I could.
This week I didn't really even have time to pay attention to the patients of the clinic. I didn't get to hear any of their stories, I didn't know why any of them were visiting the clinic, but I still knew that I was helping them by frantically searching for medical records, entering information into spreadsheets, making copies, etc.
I did get to personally help the girl who lives at the house but tries to help out in the clinic. Because things were so crazy in the clinic, she missed the bus which she takes to get to school at UHD. Even though it made me get back to school a little bit later than I wanted because I had a quiz that morning, I happily drove her to school. I felt so lucky that I have a car and that I am blessed with the ability to get to and from school whenever I want. There are so many things that I take for granted...
Even in the just three weeks that I have been volunteering at Casa Juan Diego, I have already learned so much and really taken a look at how lucky I am in my life!
The two girls who really know what they were doing were out of town this week, so it was just me, another new girl, and one girl who lives in the house but also tries to help out in the clinic. The woman who runs the house seemed a little bit frustrated with us because we kept making mistakes and weren't moving fast enough. Even though part of me wanted to say some snide comment, I kept smiling and just tried to work as fast as I could.
This week I didn't really even have time to pay attention to the patients of the clinic. I didn't get to hear any of their stories, I didn't know why any of them were visiting the clinic, but I still knew that I was helping them by frantically searching for medical records, entering information into spreadsheets, making copies, etc.
I did get to personally help the girl who lives at the house but tries to help out in the clinic. Because things were so crazy in the clinic, she missed the bus which she takes to get to school at UHD. Even though it made me get back to school a little bit later than I wanted because I had a quiz that morning, I happily drove her to school. I felt so lucky that I have a car and that I am blessed with the ability to get to and from school whenever I want. There are so many things that I take for granted...
Even in the just three weeks that I have been volunteering at Casa Juan Diego, I have already learned so much and really taken a look at how lucky I am in my life!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Week Two
Well, this week I was more tired but more comfortable than last week. I showed up a bit early again, so I had to wait outside the clinic with all of the patients. This time I felt more at ease standing there in the dark. Although I could not really strike up a conversation with anyone, as I do not speak Spanish, once again I was able to smile at them. I hope that me standing there and smiling put at least some of them at ease.
Again my assignment was to retrieve the medical records of everyone attending the clinic. Only one doctor showed up this week, so we could only allow 20 patients to be seen. The most sad part of the process, to me, is having to turn people away. I kept reminding myself of Mother Teresa's belief that the number of people you are able to help is not what matters. Rather, what matters is that you make every person who you are able to help feel wanted and loved. Although the clinic can only directly help ~20 patients each week, the cumulative number of people helped is significant. But more importantly,t he 20 people helped each week are blessed with the ability to take control over their own health. A privilege which I take for granted on a daily basis.
One man at the clinic had fallen and scraped up his leg pretty badly (from ankle to calf). I could only understand bits of his conversation, but I could see from the obvious that the cut had become pretty severely infected. Another woman there had felt a lump growing in her breast, larger and larger until it was hurting significantly, but had not yet sought any medical attention.
I honestly cannot imagine how it feels to have your body turn on you, but to have nowhere to go for healing. The Medical Clinic at Casa Juan Diego is truly a blessing to people who have no where else to turn, but desperately need medical attention. Makes me think twice about complaining about waking up at 5:30 am.
Again my assignment was to retrieve the medical records of everyone attending the clinic. Only one doctor showed up this week, so we could only allow 20 patients to be seen. The most sad part of the process, to me, is having to turn people away. I kept reminding myself of Mother Teresa's belief that the number of people you are able to help is not what matters. Rather, what matters is that you make every person who you are able to help feel wanted and loved. Although the clinic can only directly help ~20 patients each week, the cumulative number of people helped is significant. But more importantly,t he 20 people helped each week are blessed with the ability to take control over their own health. A privilege which I take for granted on a daily basis.
One man at the clinic had fallen and scraped up his leg pretty badly (from ankle to calf). I could only understand bits of his conversation, but I could see from the obvious that the cut had become pretty severely infected. Another woman there had felt a lump growing in her breast, larger and larger until it was hurting significantly, but had not yet sought any medical attention.
I honestly cannot imagine how it feels to have your body turn on you, but to have nowhere to go for healing. The Medical Clinic at Casa Juan Diego is truly a blessing to people who have no where else to turn, but desperately need medical attention. Makes me think twice about complaining about waking up at 5:30 am.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
First Day of Volunteering
Friday, September 2, 2011 was my first day to volunteer at the Casa Juan Diego Medical Clinic through the Catholic Worker House in Houston, TX.
I had arranged to arrive at the clinic at 6:30 in the morning and to volunteer for 2 hours. On the drive over, I was feeling anxious and nervous about where to go and what I would be doing when I got there. It was dark when I arrived. When I pulled up, I called my supervisor and she said she would come let me in, but it took her about ten minutes to come to the door. Outside of the clinic, a line of about 25 people had formed, all Hispanic. They looked sad. Some of them looked more healthy than others, but none of them looked happy. I was somewhat uncomfortable standing out there with them in the dark. I knew that I was volunteering to serve these people, and I tried to smile and look friendly and excited, but it was difficult being so out of my element. Nevertheless, I hid my nerves and smiled until, finally, Louise came to the door and let me into the clinic.
As soon as the doors were open, I quickly began assisting in whatever way possible. Before the doctors arrive, all of the patients seeking medical care must sign in, have their vitals taken, and be interviewed about why they are seeking treatment. Because I do not speak Spanish, I was given the task of finding the medical record folders for returning patients, or making folders for newcomers. The two hours flew by. When we couldn't find the medical record folder for someone, it became frantic, trying to find one before the doctors were ready to see new patients. Despite the chaos, I managed to find or make folders for all of the ~25 patients who visited the clinic on Friday morning.
The most frustrating part of the experience was being unable to communicate with the patients at the clinic. Even though I grew up in San Antonio, TX, I speak almost no Spanish. The patients kept coming to the room where I was organizing medical records, and they would ask me questions but I could only tell them to wait for someone else who spoke Spanish. I quickly became aware that if I plan on being a doctor in Texas, I really do need to learn at least some Spanish.
Overall, the experience was very insightful. While I am not able to interact with the patients as much as I would like because of the language barrier, I do feel like I am a valuable volunteer. I look forward to the coming weeks. Because things were so hectic the first day, I was not able to fully reflect on the situations of the patients who were seeking treatment. I am excited to learn more about the kind of people served by the Casa Juan Diego Medical Clinic, and being able to make the patients feel comfortable, even if it is just with a smile.
I had arranged to arrive at the clinic at 6:30 in the morning and to volunteer for 2 hours. On the drive over, I was feeling anxious and nervous about where to go and what I would be doing when I got there. It was dark when I arrived. When I pulled up, I called my supervisor and she said she would come let me in, but it took her about ten minutes to come to the door. Outside of the clinic, a line of about 25 people had formed, all Hispanic. They looked sad. Some of them looked more healthy than others, but none of them looked happy. I was somewhat uncomfortable standing out there with them in the dark. I knew that I was volunteering to serve these people, and I tried to smile and look friendly and excited, but it was difficult being so out of my element. Nevertheless, I hid my nerves and smiled until, finally, Louise came to the door and let me into the clinic.
As soon as the doors were open, I quickly began assisting in whatever way possible. Before the doctors arrive, all of the patients seeking medical care must sign in, have their vitals taken, and be interviewed about why they are seeking treatment. Because I do not speak Spanish, I was given the task of finding the medical record folders for returning patients, or making folders for newcomers. The two hours flew by. When we couldn't find the medical record folder for someone, it became frantic, trying to find one before the doctors were ready to see new patients. Despite the chaos, I managed to find or make folders for all of the ~25 patients who visited the clinic on Friday morning.
The most frustrating part of the experience was being unable to communicate with the patients at the clinic. Even though I grew up in San Antonio, TX, I speak almost no Spanish. The patients kept coming to the room where I was organizing medical records, and they would ask me questions but I could only tell them to wait for someone else who spoke Spanish. I quickly became aware that if I plan on being a doctor in Texas, I really do need to learn at least some Spanish.
Overall, the experience was very insightful. While I am not able to interact with the patients as much as I would like because of the language barrier, I do feel like I am a valuable volunteer. I look forward to the coming weeks. Because things were so hectic the first day, I was not able to fully reflect on the situations of the patients who were seeking treatment. I am excited to learn more about the kind of people served by the Casa Juan Diego Medical Clinic, and being able to make the patients feel comfortable, even if it is just with a smile.
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