The African Family Health Organization (AFAHO)

 

Bringing Access to Health Education and Resources to Philadelphia’s ACIR Community

 

Student Interns:
Ivie Osagiede, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Shamelia Thompson, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

 

Academic Preceptors:

Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

 

Community Preceptors:
Elizabeth Porter, Education Manager, African Family Health Organization
Dianne Uwayo, MPH, Health and Social Services Manager, African Family Health Organization
 

Community Site:

The African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) offers health, social, and educational services and programs to the greater Philadelphia area’s African and Caribbean immigrant and refugee (ACIR) communities. These services cater to individuals of all ages, genders, and immigration statuses. Among the services provided are ESL classes, a food pantry, after-school programs, and connections to health resources.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns supported AFAHO’s Education team by developing two programs for the Youth Summer Camp: an oral health workshop and a career panel composed of college and graduate students. They also supported the Health team by creating a Health Resources Guide that provides detailed information on more than 50 free or low-cost health services across the Philadelphia region. In addition, each intern was tasked with designing a health education brochure—one on diabetes, the other on hypertension—to be distributed to AFAHO clients living with these conditions.

 

Reflections:

Ivie Osagiede: “My experience at AFAHO has reaffirmed my commitment to serving underserved patient populations. Now that I’ve seen the work being done by AFAHO to promote health at the community level, I have a better sense of what it takes to be an advocate for patients from diverse backgrounds who may be facing difficult life situations.”
 

Shamelia Thompson: “Spending the summer at AFAHO has been an incredible experience. It was inspiring to see the different resources the organization offers and the significant impact they have on the community. They are continually innovating and finding new ways to help their clients adapt and thrive in the U.S. AFAHO has opened up new opportunities for me that I am excited to explore.”

 

American Heart Association

 

On Our Way to 100% Smoke Free

 

Student Interns:

Kaysee Kasomphou, Thomas Jefferson University, College of Nursing

Nidhi Oruganti, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptors:

Brad Cary, American Heart Association

Traci Kennedy, MPA, American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation

 

Community Site:

The mission of the American Heart Association is to promote cardiovascular health. They have advocated extensively for the past century about cardiovascular health and the importance of it. They want to see a world free of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association is working closely with the American Lung Association and the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation to promote smoking cessation in indoor workspaces, with a focus on casinos because they are the only places that have not enforced the smoking cessation rules, and to provide help and support for workers who are affected by secondhand smoking.

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Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with casino workers, gathering their stories about the struggles of dealing with secondhand smoke and the negative impact it has on their health. The interns used social media to promote an anti-indoor smoking rally to bring attention to the goal of making casinos 100% smoke free and urge lawmakers to make a change to the guidelines. This rally allowed workers to share their firsthand health experiences. The interns also reviewed and edited a fact sheet on smoke-free policies, emphasizing the health and economic benefits of such policies, and drafted a letter to the editor from the perspective of a casino worker, aimed at raising public awareness and urging lawmakers to support smoke-free environments. The interns’ final deliverables included a comprehensive report, an advocacy fact sheet, and the drafted letter to the editor, all designed to support ongoing policy advocacy efforts.

 

Reflections:

Kaysee Kasomphou: “I am still shocked that the state of Pennsylvania did not outlaw indoor smoking in all places for the longest time. We need to do better. I am glad that this summer we are making a lot of progress to outlaw this, and with the new budget that passed we can finally make it happen. This makes me extremely happy being from Philadelphia and seeing our state improve on this matter. It was such a pleasure to be working closely on this project with the American Heart Association and American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation to make these changes happen. This summer overall was a meaningful experience because I was able to dive into a community that I cannot exactly relate to, but put in the effort to help them and make connections, which meant so much to me, and I am grateful for that experience.”

 

Nidhi Oruganti: “Interviewing casino workers and seeing the direct impact of secondhand smoke on their health has been eye-opening and deeply motivating to continue this important work. I had no idea how much secondhand smoke could negatively impact one’s health, especially for populations that have no choice but to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Through this project, I learned so much about the health challenges faced by these workers and the crucial role that advocacy plays in addressing these issues. Witnessing the profound effects of secondhand smoke on individuals’ health highlighted the urgent need for smoke-free policies. This experience has demonstrated to me the power of advocacy to bring about meaningful policy changes and improve community well-being. It has reinforced the importance of working toward creating healthier environments for vulnerable populations and has been a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated advocacy efforts can have on public health.”

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Beyond Literacy

 

Empower, Educate, Elevate: Creating Opportunities Through Literacy
 

Student Interns:

Isabelle DeWyngaert, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Tami Wong, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Mercy Howard, BA, Student Support Coordinator, Beyond Literacy

 

Community Site:

Beyond Literacy (BeLit) offers opportunities for adults and families by leveraging the power of literacy through free, high-quality education. As Philadelphia’s premier literacy organization, BeLit supports learners in enhancing their reading, writing, math, English language, digital literacy, and workplace skills. Classes guide students from learning to earning, enabling them to thrive as students, community members, and professionals. In 2023, Beyond Literacy served 1,613 learners speaking 44 languages through 270,984 classroom hours; 244 energy industry credentials earned; 168 Northstar digital literacy credentials earned; and 116 GED, ESOL, and workforce program graduates.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns started the summer by attending the graduation of BeLit’s GED, ESOL, and workforce program learners, then shadowed the new-learner orientation (which happens at the start of each learning cycle, every 10 weeks), and several adult GED and ESOL classes. In preparation for BeLit’s first-ever career exploration and résumé-writing workshop, they called eligible learners; at the workshop, they assisted learners with résumé writing. They researched immigrant healthcare resources in the city and Certified Nurse Assistant training programs, then organized these resources into PDFs to share with the BeLit teachers. They also taught lessons on oral hygiene, smoking cessation, and cardiovascular health in several virtual classes and distributed dental hygiene kits.

 

Reflections:

Isabelle DeWyngaert and Tami Wong: “We have learned a lifetime’s worth of experiences from these short seven weeks at Beyond Literacy. This has helped us better understand inequalities in access in our community to not only education, but to healthcare, jobs, and opportunities. Seeing how the learners persevered and put in immense amounts of hard work to further their own education was very inspiring, but also being directly faced with the heartbreaking reality of how high the barriers to opportunities truly are was eye-opening. Using these experiences, we will be able to better serve our patients, clients, and community in the future.”

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Drexel Food Lab

 

Reducing Food Waste: Combating Waste for a Better Future

 

Student Interns: 

Belinda Faakye, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

Felicia Yan, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptor:

Emily Spengler, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

 

Community Preceptors:

Jonathan Deutsch, PhD, CRC, CHE, Drexel Food Lab

Rachel Sherman, Drexel Food Lab

 

Community Site:

Do good. Feed better. Keep going. The Drexel Food Lab is a faculty-mentored interdisciplinary food product design and culinary innovation research lab solving real-world problems in sustainability, health promotion, and access. Its members apply culinary art and science to improve the health of people, the planet, and economies. In doing so, they not only develop new food products and menu items with entrepreneurs and industry, nonprofit, and government partners, but also develop the Food Lab’s flagship “product”: graduates across disciplines who are poised to improve the food system.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns were actively involved in multiple areas of the Food Lab, including community lunches, product development, client meetings and presentations, and food waste research. The focus this year was on projects directly involved in food waste prevention and management at the individual level. This involved the creation and execution of surveys, recruitment, and social media postings. Interns also volunteered with some of Philadelphia’s community food organizations, such as MANNA and Asian Food Collective, to gain a better understanding of food resources and needs in the community.

 

Reflections:

Belinda Faakye and Felicia Yan: “We both picked the Food Lab as our site because of our interest in the intersection of food and community health outcomes. Our days varied, which gave a unique perspective from different angles. We had the opportunity to work in the kitchen with chefs, food science students, and other interns, and to do media and survey work. We had the unique opportunity to attend the Fancy Food Show, which let us see the food innovation happening across the world and spot trends. Our preceptors built a strong community within the kitchen and offered support and resources along the way for our projects. We also appreciated the opportunity to volunteer in the community food kitchens, like MANNA and Asian Food Collective, because the experience gave us a deeper understanding of the needs and existing infrastructure of the community. This site taught us the various ways to support and be involved in the community behind the scenes based on clients’ needs. We also learned the importance of nutrition in health and gained many transferable skills into our respective fields. We are both grateful for the opportunity to work in the Drexel Food Lab!”

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Einstein Immunodeficiency Center (IDC)

 

Increasing Engagement in the Consumer Advisory Board and Aiding in the Gathering of Patient Data for Analysis

 

Student Intern:

Story Bernstein, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptor:

Kristen Ryczak, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Nicola D’Souza, MPH, LSW, Einstein Immunodeficiency Center

 

Community Site:

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Einstein Immunodeficiency Center (IDC) is housed within the Community Practice Center of Einstein Medical Center in North Philadelphia, as part of Jefferson Health System. The IDC, using its funding from the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, helps adults with HIV by providing services including primary care, mental health counseling, nutrition counseling, and social work.

 

Team’s Experience:

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an increased availability of provider appointments via telehealth; the IDC was one institution to provide such services. Because telehealth is a relatively new concept, limited analysis has been done on the effectiveness of these appointments in comparison with more traditional in-person appointments. The Bridging the Gaps student intern worked with the telehealth viral load suppression specialist to explore the strengths and weaknesses of IDC telehealth appointments. This project involved identifying important metrics indicative of success, reviewing telehealth visit charts, and looking at the completion rates of after-visit follow-up tasks such as getting labs drawn. Outside of that, the intern assisted with data cleanup to aid the IDC team in preparation for both monthly and end-of-year reports to city, state, and federal institutions that provide the IDC’s funding.

 

Reflections:

Story Bernstein: “This summer taught me so much about just how many different people, of different disciplines, are needed for a functional healthcare system; the adage ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ is truly descriptive of medicine. I was able to speak with and learn from doctors, behavioral health specialists, social workers, community outreach workers, case managers, and many more to learn about their unique experiences, and how they contribute to the provision of care at Einstein’s Immunodeficiency Center. By learning about the individual pieces and how they come together, I was able to see a more complete picture of the intersection between medicine, social work, public health, and community advocacy. I am honored and humbled to have been provided with the opportunity to listen to the experiences of so many and intend to progress through my medical career in a way that is informed by not only my understanding of provision of care to vulnerable populations, but also the interdisciplinary nature of medicine in a far deeper and more profound way than I had previously.”

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Get Fresh Daily

 

Get Fresh Daily

 

Student Interns:

Lauren Ghong, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Megan Tirrell, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptor:

Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Jiana Murdic, MS, Founder and Director, Get Fresh Daily

 

Community Site:

Get Fresh Daily is an organization promoting healthy living and connecting the Black community through physical and mental wellness. The program supports local farms and businesses to bring fresh produce to the community and to teach people about the healing powers of nature. The Freedom Greens + Garden at Get Fresh Daily offers a space for gathering and connecting with others.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted with harvesting and other gardening tasks, set up at farmers markets, and gave out produce at the Freedom Greens + Garden table. They also served as camp counselors during Camp Excellence, where they helped supervise the children and lead activities. They also created a document containing information on every zip code in the Philadelphia area, including research on demographics, gathering places, and local governance, to help identify opportunities where expansion or further partnership with Get Fresh Daily may be possible.

 

Reflections:

Working at Get Fresh Daily was an extremely special experience. The interns cherished their time out in the community and getting to know the people of West Philadelphia. They enjoyed working outside and learning about the garden and how to tend it. They felt welcomed by the community and enjoyed informing people about Get Fresh Daily’s mission at the farmers markets. The interns were able to see how much the community appreciated the garden and enjoyed the delicious produce it yielded, as well as the way it brightened the space around it. As camp counselors, the interns bonded with the campers and loved playing games like Uno, Jenga, and football with them. While completing their assignment to research the zip codes of Philadelphia, the interns’ eyes were opened to the many cultures and socioeconomic classes that coexist in this city. They developed a deeper understanding of the many perspectives of a resident that they can apply in clinic to deliver care unique to each patient.

 

Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc.

 

Promoting Preventive Care in the Greater Philadelphia Area

 

Student Interns:          

Shifra Gorde, Drexel University College of Medicine

Mansi Patel, Drexel University College of Medicine  

 

Academic Preceptor:

Esther Chernak, MD, MPH, FACP, Drexel University College of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health

 

Community Preceptor:
Monica Mallory Whitmore, DO, Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc.
 

Community Site:
Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. (GPHA) is a large Federally Qualified Health Center that has been serving patients in the greater Philadelphia area for over five decades. Its mission is to provide quality, comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and child development services through an expert staff of professionals. While using a fiscally responsible approach, it seeks to meet the needs of a diverse patient population, regardless of the ability to pay. GPHA has 12 clinical sites throughout Philadelphia, including six primary care sites where patients can receive medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.

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Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on creating initiatives to help the six primary care sites improve their quality measures. They worked with the health center administrators and clinical directors to identify barriers faced by patients in the community and came up with solutions to these issues. The main quality measures they focused on were hypertension, lead screenings, and cancer screenings. The BTG interns created patient and provider education materials on these topics and connected patients to helpful resources. Toward the end of the program, the interns worked with the marketing team with hopes of incorporating these materials throughout the sites. The interns also had the opportunity to shadow providers at multiple sites to better understand the needs of the unique patient population at each site.

 

Reflections:  
Shifra Gorde and Mansi Patel: “This experience has helped us learn valuable lessons about community medicine. Throughout our time at GPHA, we worked closely with the site’s clinical director and many providers throughout the different Philadelphia sites. We gained a full understanding of the patients’ experience and the administrative roles that make GPHA a successful Philadelphia clinic. We learned about barriers that patients and providers face and worked towards eliminating these barriers through patient and provider education. By getting firsthand experience while shadowing providers, we saw the patience and compassion that was shown to the patients at GPHA and how that contributed to a positive patient experience at these sites. Moreover, it was inspiring to see how every staff member that we worked with throughout our time at GPHA had an inherent sense of commitment and dedication to the community they serve.”

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Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of Pennsylvania (HIAS PA)

 

Understanding the Healthcare Journey of Immigrants and Refugees

 

Student Interns:

Sally Kane, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine

Aaron Singer, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Brittany Watson, MS, VMD, PhD, DACVPM, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Yveline Merisier, HIAS Pennsylvania

 

Community Site:

The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society of Pennsylvania (HIAS PA) is one of the three main organizations serving refugees and immigrants new to the Philadelphia area. By providing legal aid and social services, HIAS PA strives to equip clients with the resources and skills necessary to achieve self-sufficiency in the United States. The reception and placement team coordinates resettlement by locating housing, distributing phones, submitting benefits applications, and organizing cultural orientation for clients. The Immigrant Health and Wellness Program then connects immigrants to health services, such as primary care, dental care, vision care, and therapy, and helps clients access childcare, employment, and benefits. For individuals who require more extensive and personalized support to reach self-sufficiency, the intensive case management team steps in to provide longer-term assistance.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns served as health case managers for refugees and immigrants of diverse faiths and backgrounds. Most of HIAS PA’s clients are non-English speaking. As a result, the interns received training on how to properly use interpretation so they could communicate effectively and build trust with clients. The interns scheduled doctor appointments, liaised with insurance companies, and helped locate convenient social services for their clients. Every Monday, the interns helped at one of the refugee clinics by recording doctors’ follow-up recommendations for each client. The interns also accompanied clients to appointments and helped them gain confidence navigating Philadelphia public transportation by themselves.

 

Reflections:

Sally Kane: “BTG CHIP broadened my awareness of the refugee system in the United States and the refugee experience in Philadelphia. After conversing with case workers and clients, I have grown more conscious of the many barriers that make it difficult for refugees to thrive. I will take away an enhanced ability to use interpretation respectfully, advocate for clients, and empathize with clients’ complicated experiences. Although my veterinary career involves treating animals, it also calls for frequent communication with clients. The skills I strengthened at HIAS PA will enable me to build stronger relationships with my clients in the future.”

 

Aaron Singer: “BTG CHIP had a profound impact on me. Working with refugees and asylees was a truly humbling experience. Seeing firsthand the struggle this population has when integrating into American society was powerful and caused me to deeply consider ways in which I can help this population later on in my professional career. The experience strengthened both the empathy needed to care for vulnerable populations and the strength needed to do so with confidence.”

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Inglis House

 

Summer Fun with the Therapeutic and Life Enrichment Services Team at Inglis House

 

Student Interns:
Andrea Jaffe, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health
Zehua Lin, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy

 

Academic Preceptor:
James W. Buehler, MD, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

 

Community Preceptor: 
Patricia Veltri, Inglis House

 

Community Site:
Inglis House is a residential skilled nursing facility for adults with neurodegenerative disabilities, focused on person-centered care. All the residents at Inglis House are wheelchair users and range in age from 20 to 90. The primary diagnoses of residents include multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury. Inglis House is nonprofit, which allows it to provide therapeutic and life enrichment services with many engagement opportunities. These programs include art classes, history lectures, technology services, music therapy, trips, and more. 

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted with recreation and therapeutic enrichment services and transported residents to and from programs. They helped residents participate in art classes, music classes, and practices for Keen Games, which are Inglis’s own annual Olympic games. Alongside the Therapeutic and Life Enrichment staff, students used accommodations during programs so that residents would have a regained sense of independence. During their time at Inglis, the BTG interns socialized with residents while providing companionship and emotional support.

 

Reflections:
Andrea Jaffe: “I am grateful for this opportunity to work with and to get to know individuals with complex medical conditions. Many residents of Inglis developed their illness or experienced their injury later in life. The residents of Inglis House inspire me with their courage and perseverance as they actively engage in their life and find new activities and relationships that bring them joy. This experience has taught me the importance of listening and the richness of stories. I will carry these lessons with me into my profession, as listening is the first step in promoting health equity.”

 

Zehua Lin: “This summer internship showed me the real life of people living with disabilities and the people who care for them. Inglis House not only offers its residents a variety of services to achieve diversity in life, but also breaks down the stereotypes of the outside world about people with disabilities. I am an art therapy student, and the recreational therapy at Inglis House has given me a deeper understanding of community-based therapeutic programs. I recognize my strengths and areas where I can continue to develop my art therapy practices. The residents and staff at Inglis treated us with patience and kindness, which made me feel comfortable and expanded my experience. I have developed friendships with many of the residents and staff, and it’s been an unforgettable part of my career.”

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Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships

 

Addressing Barriers to Employment and Community Well-Being at the Lenfest Center

 

Student Interns:

Nicolas Amongero, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Jessica Evans, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

 

Academic Preceptors:

Ingrid Mapanao, MSW, MPH, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Brian Work, MD, MPH, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Jerome Wright, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

 

Community Preceptor:

Shirley Moy, MSW, Executive Director, Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships

 

Community Site:

The Lenfest Center for Community Workforce Partnerships promotes the health and well-being of North Philadelphia communities by providing a comprehensive host of services and programs addressing topics including career development for youth and adults, adult education, community development, and more. Through research, education, and outreach, the Lenfest Center empowers North Philadelphia community members with skills, resources, and support needed to reach career and personal goals and to better utilize health-based resources. Their services are focused on the neighborhoods surrounding Temple University but are available to all Philadelphia residents.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns engaged with several Lenfest Center projects, focusing on enhancing digital literacy, adult education, and community engagement. The interns designed presentations for the New Choices workshops as part of the ABC (Advancing Basic Computer) Skills initiative. These workshops promote digital literacy among job seekers by focusing on topics including building a résumé, navigating online job boards, and preparing for interviews. The interns supported the WELL (Workforce Engagement and Lifelong Learning) program by assisting with math tutoring for adult learners pursuing their high school diplomas. As part of the PHA Cares Summer Safety Series, the interns assisted with community events to distribute health information on bike and water safety, asthma, cardiovascular health, and oral care.

 

Reflections:

Nicolas Amongero: “Working with the Lenfest Center through Bridging the Gaps has been an enriching experience that will make me a more understanding and educated physician. This internship made me conscious of the barriers many North Philadelphia community members face while seeking employment, such as the increasing need for digital literacy skills. I had the opportunity to assist a returning citizen with his job applications, illuminating the difficulties formerly incarcerated individuals face while searching for jobs. Many jobs require several references and advanced technological skills to apply, which represents a barrier for returning citizens and contributes to high recidivism rates in our country. This internship underscored the intimate link between financial stability and the ability to afford healthcare. I am more familiar with social factors that impact how people can acquire healthcare and better understand the importance of advocating for marginalized groups on workforce development and employment.”

 

Jessica Evans: “The Bridging the Gaps program has been an invaluable opportunity that enhanced my perspective on the social determinants of health through didactic sessions, meaningful interactions, and firsthand experience. As I assisted individuals of various backgrounds to seek employment and achieve their career goals, I became acutely aware of the barriers that many face, particularly with limited exposure to computer technology. I found it rewarding to help establish building blocks to success and to accompany individuals on their journey to overcome these barriers. Overall, my experience in the Bridging the Gaps program has impacted my future career as a physician by increasing my capacity to understand, operate from a deeper level of empathy and compassion, and make meaningful connections with future patients.”

 

Mazzoni Center

 

From Dusk Till Dawn: Caring for New Patients and Queer Elders

 

Student Interns:

Audrian Flory, Bryn Mawr College, Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

Nya Sandeford, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

 

Academic Preceptors:

John Edwards, JD, MSS, Bryn Mawr College, Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

 

Community Preceptors:

Eric Rega, Practice Manager, Mazzoni Center

Hilary Rosenstein, MD, Family Medicine, Mazzoni Center

 

Community Site:
Mazzoni Center offers primary care services and specializes in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV, and gender-affirming care in an LGBTQ-focused environment. Mazzoni also provides nonmedical support, taking a holistic approach to care and addressing multiple aspects of life to improve the health and well-being of its patients.

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns primarily worked on two areas in which Mazzoni Center needed support: resources for new patients and resources for the growing LGBTQ elderly population. One intern focused on creating a resource guide for new patients, highlighting expectations around their first visit, steps to prepare for the appointment, and other forms of nonmedical support that are available at Mazzoni Center. The other intern called on their hospice knowledge to educate staff about hospice and palliative care, and created a comprehensive list of hospices that serve the Philadelphia area and a guide to additional care resources to help connect queer elders with community support. Together, the two assisted Mazzoni Center in addressing the wide spectrum of needs that exist at a comprehensive primary care office.

 

Reflections:

Audrian Flory: “As a future clinical social worker with an interest in serving the LGBTQ+ community, getting the opportunity to work with Mazzoni Center through BTG was an invaluable experience. I learned a great deal about the specifics of LGBTQ+-informed healthcare, both what it means and how to implement it. It was an incredible experience to be able to draw on my past knowledge from working in hospice care and combine it with LGBTQ+-informed healthcare to support queer elders. I feel that my experience in this program will stick with me for the rest of my career and continue to influence me as I continue to engage in social work.”

 

Nya Sandeford: “As an aspiring physician, it is important to create a safe space for all patients, regardless of any social identities they have. Mazzoni Center and BTG CHIP afforded me an incredible opportunity to develop the skills on how to do just that. I am grateful to have spent my summer with an organization that is dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community, as this was not a community, I had much experience with before. I was able to learn from a robust medical and nonmedical team on how to provide culturally sensitive care that extends beyond the exam room and truly makes a difference in the lives of their patients.”

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Mothers in Charge

 

Hands United, Hearts Protected: Prevent Gun Violence

 

Student Interns:

Emily Garber, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Melanie Tsyryulnikov, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Dorothy Johnson-Speight, PhD, MHS, LPC, Founder and National Executive Director, Mothers in Charge, Inc. (MIC)

 

Community Site:

Mothers in Charge is a nonprofit violence prevention organization based in Philadelphia that serves individuals and families of various ages who are impacted by gun violence. The organization was founded out of necessity and is passionately committed to fostering a safer community through services such as grief support, anger management, reentry services, education, outreach, intervention, and advocacy. Mothers in Charge uses the PIE approach to reducing gun violence: prevention, intervention, and education. 

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns observed and participated in weekly group services such as anger management and grief support and developed a six-week curriculum for a grief support program for teens grieving the loss of siblings from gun violence. The interns also created pamphlets focused on tobacco-use cessation, oral health, and cardiovascular health, which included educational content, QR codes for oral care demonstrations, and lists of available resources in Philadelphia. 

 

Reflections:

Emily Garber: “I had an incredible experience working at Mothers in Charge. The connections I have made with staff and community members are ones I will remember throughout my academic and social work career. Although challenging at times, hearing the countless stories of individuals affected by gun violence, trauma, grief, and incarceration was empowering. Through my work at Mothers in Charge, I learned the importance of listening to others’ stories with compassion, empathy, and without judgment.”

 

Melanie Tsyryulnikov: “My experience at Mothers in Charge has deepened my perception and understanding of the impact of gun violence and systemic inequities. I had the opportunity to hear community members’ stories and engage with them directly, which allowed me to recognize their resilience, strength, and commitment to bettering themselves and their community. I gained valuable insights about compassion, community culture, and trauma-informed care that will undoubtedly influence my approach to patient care and community engagement.”

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Nationalities Service Center (NSC)

 

Navigating the Refugee Experience Toward a Healthy Resettlement

 

Student Interns:

Marilyn Amoako, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Nursing

Sooji Kim, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Mojisola Obayanju, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Lily Zhang, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

 

Academic Preceptor:

Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

 

Community Preceptors:

Jie Bin Chen, NCC, Nationalities Service Center

Kara Friesen, MA, Nationalities Service Center

 

Community Site:

Nationalities Services Center (NSC) opened in 1922 with the goal of helping immigrant women in Philadelphia. It now serves more than 5,000 immigrants and refugees every year. NSC offers comprehensive services in language access, legal protections, community integration, employment, and health and wellness. A multidisciplinary team runs programs such as Employment Readiness & Placement, the Philadelphia Partnership for Resilience, the Innovative Support Program for Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment (INSPIRE), the Refugee Health Access Program, and many more. From coordinating initial resettlement to assisting with job searches to teaching English, NSC is dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees and helping them thrive.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked closely with the Refugee Health Access and INSPIRE teams at NSC. Their primary focus was on improving healthcare access for immigrant and refugee populations. Interns conducted health education workshops tailored to the community’s needs and developed multilingual health resources to overcome language barriers, using interpretation services to ensure proper dissemination of information. Other programming included facilitating health screenings to address immediate health concerns. The interns also navigated clients through the healthcare system, helping them make appointments and escorting them to and from appointments as their advocates, with the goals of ensuring quality care, encouraging familiarity with the system, and fostering client independence for future health endeavors.

 

Reflections:

Marilyn Amoako: “As my time at the Nationalities Services Center (NSC) draws to a close, I reflect on the experiences and connections I’ve made. Throughout my internship, I have focused on helping families access dental care. I helped with appointments, contacting dental clinics, and ensured that language barriers were minimized by providing multilingual resources such as Language Line. However, this week also brought the bittersweet task of informing these families that I will return to school soon. Telling them about my departure was difficult, as many of them have come to rely on the support and trust we built together. As I prepare to leave, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed urge to continue advocating for accessible healthcare in the future. This experience at NSC has been amazing, and while it’s hard to say goodbye, I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities to apply what I’ve learned.”

 

Sooji Kim: “Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at NSC within the INSPIRE team. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with immigrants and refugees in Philadelphia. Prior to this experience, I never felt that I was able to connect with these communities, despite wanting to advocate for them since I come from an immigrant family myself. I loved getting to know my clients and helping address their complex medical needs, whether it was as simple as making doctor’s appointments or as involved as accompanying them to appointments and advocating for appropriate interpreter services. I witnessed firsthand multiple instances of providers and health systems failing to meet the needs of our clients, and while it saddened me and negatively affected the clients, it also motivated me to be a more informed provider and bring equitable change to my future practice. Each small task I could help a client with, each story I heard about their resilience, each smile I could bring to their faces made all my efforts worth it.”

 

Mojisola Obayanju: “This experience underscored how tall and isolating a language barrier can be. Some of the health-related appointments were prolonged and riddled with misunderstandings, which can be exhausting for a patient. It became apparent how crucial it is to exercise extra care and patience, as this can make a world of difference in ensuring patients’ comfort, safety, and overall well-being. I also saw the importance of advocating for an interpreter to be present, every time. It was heartbreakingly common for concerns about translation to be dismissed to expedite ‘straightforward’ appointments. For instance, it can be terrifying enough for anyone to be inside an MRI machine for the first time or undress in front of a stranger. Talk less of navigating these scenarios wordlessly; doing so without clear communication can amplify stress and anxiety. The case managers at NSC work tirelessly to address these disparities and offered valuable insight into the nuances of navigating healthcare as a non-English speaker. Overall, this experience strengthened my confidence in advocating for effective communication for all patients.”

 

Lily Zhang: “An extremely rewarding experience, my time with NSC this summer has left me humbled and inspired by the incredible resilience and strength of the refugee clients I worked with. Through serving as their advocate, I’ve been able to learn a lot about this population that I wasn’t familiar with when coming into the program. It’s been an honor to hear their stories and be part of their resettlement process here. The victories and defeats we’ve experienced together as we fought for quality and accessible healthcare services have deepened my appreciation for the privilege I hold as a citizen and medical student, as well as emboldened me to continue wielding it for the empowerment of others. I’m very grateful for the wonderful relationships I’ve developed with these refugees and look forward to incorporating the trauma-sensitive care lessons I’ve learned along the way into my career, utilizing my future professional platform to continue advocating for their health needs.”

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No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc.

 

Empowered Women Empower Women

 

Student Interns:

Natalie Ramsay, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Sneha Varghese, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptors:

Nya McGlone, MS, Co-founder and COO, No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc.

Lynette Medley, MEd, Co-founder and CEO, No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc.

 

Community Site:

In 2021, No More Secrets (NMS) Mind Body Spirit Inc. opened the SPOT Period, the nation’s first menstrual and uterine wellness hub, in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Through this space, NMS serves approximately 1,000 women each month, offering them their choice of period products and education, and a safe, welcoming community. NMS is involved in legislation and research, has opened satellite locations at HBCUs across the country, and serves women through its mobile clinic.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns joined the NMS team during daily appointments by assembling period product/hygiene bags for clients and sharing resources with them. After flooding at the site, the interns sifted through damaged boxes to salvage dry products and reorganized the large storage room to increase efficiency. In addition, the interns organized a period product drive with the help of BTG. At the conclusion of the program, the interns helped decorate the SPOT and lead a dorm decor giveaway event for eight incoming college freshmen. During this event, the interns shared college advice and taught lessons about menstrual, oral, and mental health.

 

Reflections:

Natalie Ramsay: “Working at No More Secrets was an experience that continuously enlightened, encouraged, and motivated me to continue working in social services. Real community work that values social justice, understands clients’ economic mobility, and works to provide, regardless of the circumstances, has been so powerful to see. The community members know how much NMS values them, and in return their support is what drives community action forward, with opportunities and growth for all parties. NMS continuously works to meet the demand for period products that the government, health systems, and the entire U.S. is failing to provide.”

 

Sneha Varghese: “My time at No More Secrets was unlike anything I have ever experienced in my academic career thus far. Working in the community opened my eyes to the power of actively listening, showing empathy, and asking questions. I was able to better understand the challenges faced by communities in Philadelphia and was inspired by Lynette and Nya’s commitment to serving communities whose needs are often unmet. The lessons I’ve learned will stay with me far beyond this summer. NMS is changing lives, and I am so honored to have been a part of that for even a short time.”

 

Old Pine Community Center

 

Addressing Food Insecurity in Philadelphia, One Family at a Time

 

Student Interns:
Suji Kim, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Sarena Oberoi, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Mark Atwood, Executive Director, Old Pine Community Center

 

Community Site:

Old Pine Community Center (OPCC) is a nonprofit organization based in Society Hill whose mission is to enrich the lives of neighbors through programs and services focused on addressing food insecurity, supporting children and families, and building community engagement. OPCC’s work is responsive to and informed by the community, addressing unmet or under met needs.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted Old Pine Community Center in addressing food insecurity in the community by preparing 250 meals for the homeless each week, organizing large loads of food donations from partners, and packing grocery bags for those in need. In addition, the interns prepared lessons to teach the children enrolled in summer camp about topics in nutrition, cardiovascular health, and oral health through engaging activities. Finally, the interns had the chance to help OPCC facilitate a welcome and safe space for community organizations such as 12-step groups and religious organizations.

 

Reflections:
Suji Kim: “OPCC is exemplary of what it means to truly understand the needs of the community one is serving. Working alongside the dedicated and creative staff of OPCC was such an honor and made it clear that lasting impact in the community can only be sustained through perseverance and collaboration. OPCC showed me how effective community engagement can bring people of all walks of life together, and I look forward to contributing to my own community in the future as a healthcare provider and community member.”

 

Sarena Oberoi: “Working at OPCC this summer was an invaluable experience, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. I learned about the prevalence of food insecurity in Philadelphia and was able to make a direct impact by preparing meals each week. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met the kind, compassionate, and remarkable staff at OPCC and to have worked alongside them every day. OPCC is an incredible organization that makes an exceptional difference in the community.”

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Philadelphia Department of Public Health

 

Prescription Assistance Program Patient Advocates

 

Student Interns:

Abigail Faust, Drexel University College of Medicine

Meseker Fentie, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

Abby Narvaez, Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law

 

Academic Preceptor:

Esther Chernak, MD, MPH, Drexel University College of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health

 

Community Preceptor: 

Eleah Parker, MPH, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

 

Community Site:    

The health centers of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are strategically located to serve some of the most underserved populations throughout the city. Among their many offerings, the centers provide primary care, OB-GYN care, dental care, and social and legal services. The health centers accept patients with Medicare, Medicaid, and HMO plans and uninsured patients. Uninsured patients are charged small fees based on household size and income.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked as patient advocates for the Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) in five different health centers within the Philadelphia Department of Health. The PAP helps patients without insurance obtain medications for free through drug manufacturers’ programs. The interns assisted patients with the application and reenrollment processes and by notifying them to pick up their medication when it arrived at the health center. The interns worked closely with the health centers’ providers and resources to help make the process as seamless as possible for the patients.

 

Reflections:   

Abigail Faust: “The PAP patient advocates lobby for patients to receive medication that would be an undue financial burden. This program is the difference between patients with little to no prescription drug coverage paying $800 for a refill or $0. Many of these patients are only able to afford and receive medication because of these Prescription Assistance Programs. When someone knocked on my office door with hope in their eyes, I was able to say ‘Yes, I will help you’ and get them the care they deserve. Together, we would navigate paperwork and policy changes until finally, we got the notice that they were approved for medication! It was incredibly rewarding to make such a direct impact on patients’ lives. I also picked up a lot of lessons that will help me as a provider. I gained familiarity with programs that could be a valuable avenue for my future patients to get affordable medication. Parsing the difference between insurance coverages taught me more about Medicare and Medicaid than I have ever absorbed from a lecture. Serving a multilingual population with the indispensable help of medical translators bolstered my confidence in my ability to communicate with people different from myself. This experience taught me to balance a community’s needs with my own capability and to make sure I was pouring from a full cup. Overall, the PAP and BTG reignited my interest in being involved in and serving my community as a doctor and citizen. There is a deep need in Philadelphia for affordable care. Though they should not have to, Philadelphians will go to great lengths to care for themselves and their family. This experience reminded me of my civic duty to be informed about my community and its struggles. No matter what discipline of medicine I pursue, I will look for ways to bridge those gaps to care and serve my community.”

 

Meseker Fentie: “My time in the Prescription Assistance Program has been incredibly educational and impactful. The memorable interactions I’ve had with patients have left a lasting impression on me. Some of the stories I’ve heard about their daily lives have been deeply moving, but what stands out most is their resilience and hope in the face of adversity. It has been a privilege to be part of their journey by assisting them in getting their most needed medications. The program also provides a golden opportunity to learn about the communities in Philadelphia and understand how social determinants of health affect patients’ health status and management. Additionally, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and its complex challenges. Navigating the system to help patients receive the care they need has taught me the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and advocacy. Moving forward, I will carry these lessons with me, continually seeking new ways to support and advocate for patients.”

 

Abby Narvaez: “Being a patient advocate at the PAP office this summer has provided me with so many great lessons I plan to keep with me throughout my lifetime and the span of my career. This summer, I had the pleasure of helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system. My goal is still to be a lawyer in the health field, yet I was shown a new perspective of the field that I previously was not exposed to—the public health sector. Already, there are so many things I wish to accomplish in my career. I’ve always wanted to help people, and now this intersectionality is only fueling my desire to help those who need it the most. Although I’m still not entirely sure what route I want to take in the health field, I am now more aware of more problems that persist in our incredibly complicated healthcare system. Patients who need help and resources the most are usually the ones who receive little to no help at all. So many places and cities are underfunded, understaffed, yet are overflowing with patients. Not to mention, the cost of some life-saving medications is insane and unattainable for many low-income patients. I’m glad the work we have done this summer at the PAP office focused on closing those disparities, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure everyone in the U.S. has quality healthcare. After my time here at BTG, I intend to keep focusing on my law studies to know how to be an efficient and effective lawyer so that I can help those in need. I was also lucky enough to work on my advocation skills during my time as a patient advocate. I have no doubt that I will use these skills again as a lawyer in the health field. I’m honored to have had the chance to make a difference this summer, and I hope my career ahead allows me similar opportunities as well.”

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Philadelphia Family Pride

 

Exploring Paths to Parenthood: Understanding the LGBTQ+ Family Planning Experience

 

Student Intern:

Cassie Tian, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Sandra Telep, Philadelphia Family Pride, Executive Director

 

Community Site:

Philadelphia Family Pride (PFP) is a nonprofit organization created by LGBTQ+ people for LGBTQ+ people, with the mission of building community, sharing resources, and initiating educational dialogue and advocacy for queer-led families and prospective parents.

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern focused primarily on organizing and executing Philly Family Pride’s annual Paths to Parenthood summer lecture series on LGBTQ+ family planning. Paths to Parenthood is a series of eight in-person sessions providing accessible education on alternative family building methods by bringing in experts in the field as well as those with lived experience. This year, topics included financial planning, adoption, donor sperm, legal considerations, fostering, surrogacy and birthing culture, and parental identity development. The intern was responsible for the overall logistical coordination of the program, including space and catering reservations, speaker scheduling, social media graphic creation and dissemination, and session facilitation. The intern also assisted with several other projects, including securing sponsorships for PFP’s annual Family Matters conference, creating weekly educational social media posts, and assisting with LGBTQ+ medical curriculum development.

 

Reflections:
Cassie Tian: “LGBTQ+ couples face uniquely difficult challenges when it comes to family planning, and Philly Family Pride provides a safe place for prospective parents to learn about starting their families while also providing a community. Attending the Paths to Parenthood sessions was inspiring, because I have never been in an environment where parenthood and fertility are so openly discussed and supported. I learned that every couple’s situation when building their family is unique, and it is important as a physician to view it from a holistic perspective; there is so much more to consider than just medical issues, including finances, legal considerations, and more. All the attendees were incredibly engaged with the panelists, physicians, lawyers, and others who generously gave their time, underscoring the importance of having a readily accessible program for queer family planning because it truly is a need in the community. Growing up in a mostly immigrant community with low health literacy, I have always been passionate about working with the underserved, particularly in enhancing community health and health literacy. Working with PFP this summer has reminded me of this passion and given me a chance to think more deeply about what it means to be a physician. In the future, I want to dedicate my career to using my skills and knowledge to benefit the communities that I am part of through service and fostering meaningful connections.”