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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Hall-Mercer

 

Journey at Hall-Mercer

 

Student Interns:

Karimata Drame, Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health

Nasir Young, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

 

Academic Preceptors:

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

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

 

Community Preceptors:

Beverly Bradley, LCSW, Hall-Mercer

Steve Niederriter, LCSW, Hall-Mercer

 

Community Site:

The Hall-Mercer Community Behavioral Health Center of Pennsylvania Hospital is dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by mental illness or developmental disabilities. The Center has played a significant role in broadening the acceptance and advancing the care of people with psychiatric disorders or intellectual disabilities.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on engaging clients in group activities such as bingo, outdoor walks, field trips, and playing and listening to various games. These shared experiences helped to establish trust and promote social interaction, with the aim of building rapport and creating a supportive community environment. The interns also contributed to a health education presentation on heart and oral health. As part of this presentation, interns involved clients in making a healthy parfait with fruit and granola, which served as an educational and interactive experience. This hands-on approach helped to reinforce the importance of maintaining good health habits. The final product of this effort was a comprehensive health education session that not only provided valuable information but also encouraged clients to adopt healthier lifestyles.

 

Reflections:

Karimata Drame and Nasir Young: “Reflecting on our summer internship with BTG and Hall-Mercer, one singular impactful experience stands out. During a group activity session, we led a discussion on the importance of oral and heart health while making healthy food with the clients. This activity not only provided practical health education but also created a moment of connection and openness among the participants. This experience highlighted the power of community and the impact that compassionate, interactive engagement can have on individuals dealing with mental health challenges.”

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Mazzoni Center

 

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

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Student Interns: 
Audrian Flory, Bryn Mawr College, Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research
Nya Sandeford, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College 

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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 

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Community Preceptors: 
Eric Rega, Practice Manager, Mazzoni Center
Hilary Rosenstein, MD, Family Medicine, Mazzoni Center

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

 

Nationalities Service Center (NSC)​

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Navigating the Refugee Experience Toward a Healthy Resettlement

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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

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

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Community Preceptors:
Jie Bin Chen, NCC, Nationalities Service Center
Kara Friesen, MA, Nationalities Service Center

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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.

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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. 

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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.”

 

Philadelphia FIGHT: John Bell Health Center and Youth Health Empowerment Program

 

Creating Bridges to PrEP and Gender-Affirming Care

 

Student Interns:

Scout Hayashi, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Gwen Vogelsang, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

 

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

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

 

Community Preceptors:

Rebecca Keuch, MSN, CRNP, Philadelphia FIGHT

Dana Serafin, CRNP, FNP-BC, Philadelphia FIGHT

Maggie Webb, MPH, Philadelphia FIGHT

 

Community Site:

Philadelphia FIGHT, located in Center City, provides high-quality, comprehensive primary care to address the physical and emotional health needs of children and adults. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), FIGHT welcomes patients of all income levels, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, insurance statuses, and nationalities, regardless of ability to pay.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns at Philadelphia FIGHT focused on projects surrounding patient education, resources, and connection to care. They worked with the PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) team to reconnect and schedule patients who were lost to care or overdue for baseline HIV testing. The interns also created educational resources on sexual wellness, PrEP, and STI post-exposure prophylaxis.

 

Reflections:

Gwen Vogelsang: “The PrEP team at Philadelphia FIGHT is a group of caring providers and coordinators who create long-term impactful relationships with patients. Both the members of the PrEP team and the patients at FIGHT are empowering. I was given the opportunity to speak with patients over the phone and at the clinic about their personal journeys and why they feel comfortable at Philadelphia FIGHT. From this experience, I learned that providing spaces that are inclusive and supportive for patient populations that have been historically marginalized empowers these patients to create initiatives and resources to help others in their community. I will bring this lesson into my future care as a physician where I hope to continue to develop resources for patients based on the needs they see in their own communities. I am very grateful to the PrEP team for giving me this experience this summer.”

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Prevention Point

 

Harm Reduction at Prevention Point Philadelphia

 

Student Interns:

Paulina Lipman, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Claire West, 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

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

Community Preceptor:

Nicole Sage, MS, Prevention Point Philadelphia

 

Community Site:

Prevention Point Philadelphia provides harm reduction services to Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Now a nonprofit public health organization, Prevention Point was started in 1991 by ACT UP Philadelphia (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) as a grassroots underground organization that distributed syringes to help reduce HIV transmission among intravenous drug users. After lobbying efforts, Mayor Ed Rendell issued an executive order in 1992 legalizing possession of syringes. Subsequently, Prevention Point grew into a larger organization providing a host of harm reduction and related services, including medical care, overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution, and case management as well as housing, meals, and mail services for people facing housing instability.

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked closely with the Syringe Services Program. Their activities included creating syringe supply kits and overdose prevention kits and preparing other materials for distribution. The interns helped medical case managers audit and update paper medical charts and met with participants during syringe services to provide them with materials and services that met their needs. The experience provided an excellent opportunity for the BTG interns to learn and practice harm reduction principles while engaging with and listening to community members.

 

Reflections:

Paulina Lipman and Claire West: “This internship has been an extremely valuable experience for us as second-year medical students. It has taught us about the complexities of harm reduction, the importance of community-based health initiatives, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As we move forward in our medical careers, the insights and skills gained from this internship will undoubtedly influence each of our approaches to patient care. The importance of actively listening to and acknowledging the complexities of each individual’s story are lessons we will carry on. Our time at PPP has not only helped shape our professional horizons but has also deepened our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”

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Visitation Homes

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A Head-to-Toe Wellness Series at Visitation Homes

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Student Interns:
Vivian Nguyen, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College 
Danielle Zolotnitsky, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

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

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Community Preceptors:
Zakiyyah Harris, Visitation Homes
Shawna Murray, Visitation Homes

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Community Site:
Visitation Homes is a trauma-informed permanent supportive housing program located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Both single mothers and single fathers are eligible for the housing program. The head of household must be 18 or older, there must be children in the household, and at least one member of the household must have a disability. Residents are matched to Visitation Homes through the Office of Homelessness Services’ Coordinated Entry System.

 

Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns hosted a comprehensive Head-to-Toe Wellness Series in collaboration with their community partners at Visitation Homes. The series focused on various aspects of health and well-being, including parenting, mindfulness, dental hygiene, nutrition, women’s health, and fitness. The interns created several resources, including a trifold brochure listing local health providers, a mindfulness infographic, and heart-healthy recipe cards. They also brought in expert guests, including a pediatrician, a dentist, and a registered dietician, and used materials from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center to enhance the educational value of the workshops. The project culminated in a series of interactive workshops and classes, providing participants with valuable information and hands-on skills to improve their overall health and that of their families.

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Reflections:
Vivian Nguyen and Danielle Zolotnitsky: “Despite our passions for the city of Philadelphia, we had never spent extensive time in Kensington before this experience. Visitation Homes has shed light on aspects of Kensington that are rarely portrayed in the media. While news outlets often focus on substance use and cleanliness concerns in Kensington, our experience has revealed a different narrative. We’ve been captivated by the liveliness of the residents, the vibrance of local businesses, and the profound compassion demonstrated by community leaders in the area. Perhaps most importantly, we’ve witnessed the early stages of positive change in Kensington. There’s a palpable sense of progress and community-driven improvement. Being able to observe and participate in these initial steps towards positive transformation has been both inspiring and humbling. As we move forward in our careers, we will carry with us the lessons learned from Kensington––the importance of looking beyond surface-level issues, the power of community resilience, and the potential for positive change even in the face of significant challenges.”

 

Wyss Wellness Center

 

Advocating for Healthcare Access in Immigrant and Refugee Populations

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Student Intern: 
Joyce Zhang, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College 

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

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Community Preceptor: 
Jenna Gosnay, MSW, LSW, Wyss Wellness Center

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Community Site: 
The Hansjörg Wyss Wellness Center is a primary care practice in South Philadelphia that primarily serves immigrant and refugee patients. Most patients have limited English proficiency, with a majority speaking languages such as Rohingya, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, and many more. The patient population also faces challenges navigating the healthcare system and affording the cost of healthcare. To work toward improving community wellness, the Hansjörg Wyss Wellness Center provides clinical and social support services to patients. The center also works closely with SEAMAAC, a community organization, to facilitate community outreach.

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Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern assisted patients with limited English proficiency in scheduling appointments for follow-up evaluations with various specialists throughout the city. The intern also connected patients to healthcare and social service resources in Philadelphia and updated a resource guide created by previous interns with links to Philadelphia organizations. The intern assisted clinicians with patient education on topics such as setting diabetic nutrition goals, monitoring blood pressure at home with blood pressure cuffs provided by the clinic, and using navigation apps. Wyss also holds weekly food pantry distributions, for which the intern created produce guides in various languages to help community members better understand what foods they were bringing home and give them some simple recipes to try. The intern also partnered with SEAMAAC to create and organize weekly heart-healthy tips for Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, and Indonesian elders in the community.

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Reflections:
Joyce Zhang: “My experience at Wyss was incredibly impactful, and I am so grateful for the time that I was able to spend here. It was so rewarding to connect with both refugee and undocumented patients to help them navigate the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and provide aid in obtaining access to various social resources available in Philadelphia. I was inspired by the team at Wyss and their ability to navigate the unique cultural and language barriers of their patients. It was easy to see that patients felt comfortable and safe receiving care at Wyss, and they knew that the team here would do everything they could to assist them. The diverse patient backgrounds encountered at Wyss have opened my eyes to everyone’s unique experiences, which really enforced that care really is personal to one’s unique background. I was especially inspired while speaking to a patient for my storytelling project. This undocumented immigrant shared his journey navigating life in the U.S. and all the challenges he faced along the way, including losing his family members to the violence in his home country and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the ongoing tragedies and the challenges that come with being an undocumented immigrant, he perseveres with a positive outlook on life. Listening to many stories, like this patient’s, throughout my time working at Wyss has helped me better understand barriers to care and continue to think of ways that I can help patients receive equitable healthcare as I progress in my career.”

 

Youth Emergency Service (YES)

 

Coordinating & Executing the Youth Stars Summer Camp at YES

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Student Interns:
Julia Durugo, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Kayla Kirton, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

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

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Community Preceptors:
Joy Woods Jones, LSW, Youth Emergency Service
La Shonna Polite, MEd, Youth Emergency Service

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Community Site: 
YES at HopePHL, a National Safe Place site, offers several emergency services to assist youth aged 9 to 17 who are housing insecure or who face a risk of child abuse or neglect. Youth Emergency Shelter provides boys and girls aged 12 to 17 with a safe alternative to the street and potentially abusive home environments. The Basic Center Runaway/Homeless Youth Program addresses the immediate crisis needs of youth aged 12 to 17 who are not in the child welfare system. Family Reunification at HopePHL promotes timely family reunification for youth aged 9 to 17 entering out-of-home placement for the first time.

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Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked closely with the youth at Youth Emergency Service at HopePHL to organize a summer camp. The interns created educational in-house programs and planned many trips around the city. They participated in the Wawa Welcome America events, took the youth bowling and to a farm, and talked about oral health and the effects of smoking marijuana. Overall, it was a fun-filled summer program that provided enrichment while keeping the youth engaged and occupied during the day.

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Reflections:
Julia Durugo: “Working at the Youth Emergency Service this summer has been a tremendous honor. Being accepted into the youths’ homes and lives has allowed me to build meaningful connections with them. It’s been incredibly rewarding to give back to the community that has already taught me so much in just one year of being here. Meeting our local leaders and gaining their insights has been enlightening. They wear so many hats when it comes to providing the best they can for the kids, and it inspires me to do more. This experience has deepened my empathy and understanding by allowing me to appreciate the hardships and complexities these kids face every day. It has truly taught me the value of meeting people where they are, and I know I will take these lifelong skills and experiences beyond YES and into my future career.”

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Kayla Kirton: “I had so much fun engaging with the youth at YES during our summer enrichment program. My biggest takeaway was what I learned about human behavior—our past history and trauma manifest themselves in our words and actions and inform who we are as people. It is vital to take the time to understand each other and build relationships before passing judgment in order to see a whole person for who they are, collaborate as a team, and make the best decisions. Most importantly, the key to achieving this is by building mutual trust.”