As a person growing up in third world country, I always dreamed about proving better health care and support to underserved community. After moving to the USA and starting medical school I was fortunate to volunteer in organizations providing free health screening checks to underserved communities.
Speaking with the patients about their health concerns, symptoms, pains and building rapport with the patients were one of my best experiences. We as the medical team offered basic health screenings for blood pressure, vision and depression. Also strive to educate uninsured workers about preventing injuries and chronic conditions such as heart and skin diseases were the main focus on these health fairs.
I have been positively impacted by the project as it helped me developing an understanding of the barriers the population face and provide for people.
Gaining real medical experience by interacting with patients gave me an opportunity to gain cultural competency and helped me to meet the healthcare needs of underserved populations one more time.
I definitely plan on continuing this type of work as a physician. As we all know there is such a shortage of doctors that we just need more people willing to help. I believe there is no other feeling better than helping others and improve their quality of life regardless of an individual's ability to pay.