HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

 

Summer Adventures at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

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Student Interns: 
Charlotte Bell, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions
Elizabeth Cheng, Drexel University College of Medicine
Micaela Chin, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Jay Kang, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Ilana Sacks, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

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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
Clarissa Lacson, PhD, MT-BC, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions
Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

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Community Preceptors: 
Julie Conway, SLPD, CCC-SLP, ATP, HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Teresa Giardina, MEd, OG, HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

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Community Site:
HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy is located in West Philadelphia and works with students aged 5 to 21 with complex physical and intellectual disabilities. HMS School’s mission is to support students in thriving academically while developing their abilities to engage with the world smoothly once they graduate. The staff at HMS provides safe, secure, and stimulating environments for students to participate in classrooms and in art, physical, music, occupational, and speech therapies. Over time, students can learn physical navigation, feeding, emotional regulation, and communication skills.

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Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with students in classrooms and therapy sessions. The classroom interns helped with lesson plans, transportation, communication, and some day-to-day needs. The other intern was placed with the expressive therapists and helped run therapy sessions. All interns shadowed multiple therapies, including art, dance, drama, music, physical, speech, occupational, and recreational. The interns did a project supporting the development of dental hygiene and cardiovascular education at the school as well as an adapted literacy project to add to the school’s curriculum. They also worked on developing a curriculum and needs assessment for an Evening Education Series for parents to learn about different topics relevant to caring for children with complex care needs.

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Reflections:
Charlotte Bell, Elizabeth Cheng, Micaela Chin, Jay Kang, and Ilana Sacks: “Our summer at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy was eye-opening, heartfelt, and overall fun! Throughout the summer, we gained confidence interacting with a population we usually don’t see while also gaining an appreciation and awareness for the relentless empathy and perseverance of both the staff and students. The staff want all of the kids to be as independent and confident as they can be by the time they leave the school. There were many things we had not thought about that opened our eyes, like the breathing and sensory issues around feeding, adaptations for therapy interventions, and people’s capacity for caring. Some interns had prior experience working with similar populations, but all felt like their ability to recognize and respond to nonverbal communication has gotten increasingly better. This newfound awareness around all types of communication will translate into our future careers. We learned to be more observant, patient, and flexible in goals and expectations while also giving others more grace, especially future clients and patients. Overall, we had great appreciation for those who work with people living with disabilities. We will carry the lessons learned and bonds formed with us throughout our careers.”

 

Mothers in Charge

 

Hands United, Hearts Protected: Prevent Gun Violence

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Student Interns: 
Emily Garber, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
Melanie Tsyryulnikov, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

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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 

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

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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.

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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. 

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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.”

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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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No More Secrets, Mind Body Spirit Inc

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Empowered Women Empower Women

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Student Interns: 
Natalie Ramsay, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice 
Sneha Varghese, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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Addressing Food Insecurity in Philadelphia, One Family at a Time

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Student Interns:
Suji Kim, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Sarena Oberoi, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine 

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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 

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Community Preceptor:
Mark Atwood, Executive Director, Old Pine Community Center

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”
 

Philadelphia Family Pride

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

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Student Intern: 
Cassie Tian, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

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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

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Community Preceptor: 
Sandra Telep, Philadelphia Family Pride, Executive Director

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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.

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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.

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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.”

 

Philadelphia FIGHT Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center

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Creating Bridges to PrEP and Gender-Affirming Care

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Student Interns: 
Scout Hayashi, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Gwen Vogelsang, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

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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

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Community Preceptors: 
Rebecca Keuch, MSN, CRNP, Philadelphia FIGHT
Dana Serafin, CRNP, FNP-BC, Philadelphia FIGHT
Maggie Webb, MPH, Philadelphia FIGHT

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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.

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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.

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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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Scout Hayashi​: "The YHEP Adolescent clinic serves uninsured and under-insured trans and nonbinary youth. Here, I was able to observe gender-affirming care (GAC) from the patient's perspective. Several trans and non-binary patients told me that they considered the clinic "their safe space" and expressed a type of trust and appreciation for their provider I had yet to encounter. That relationship is one I hope to model as a medical student and eventual physician. I also saw how a provider's inexperience with GAC can harm patients. To close this knowledge gap, I created a zine mapping out the basics of gender-affirming care for both patients and providers. I remain incredibly grateful to the YHEP staff for creating such a welcoming place for these individuals, and for lessons both provider and patient were able to teach me this summer."​

 

Prevention Point Philadelphia

 

Harm Reduction at Prevention Point Philadelphia

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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 

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Community Preceptor:
Nicole Sage, MS, Prevention Point Philadelphia

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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.

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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.

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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.”

 

Puentes de Salud

 

Construyendo Puentes: Building Bridges to Close the Gaps with Philly’s Latinx Community

 

Student Interns: 
Paola Salas, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
Ariel Sanchez, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

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

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Community Preceptor: 
Orfelina Payne, Executive Director, Puentes de Salud

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Community Site: 
Puentes de Salud is a nonprofit organization located in South Philadelphia that offers health and social services to the Latinx community. Puentes is divided into three divisions: 1) a low-cost health and dental clinic, 2) a wellness division with therapy, case management, and food access services, and 3) an education and arts program. Puentes adopts a social-determinants-of-health perspective and offers a vast array of comprehensive services to best meet the needs of the community.

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Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked on various projects. The social work intern primarily worked on case management services with the Puentes social worker and independently created the organization’s first-ever case management intake form. She also worked with clinic staff, Jefferson Hospital, and Penn Medicine to help undocumented patients access free mammograms, and delivered food to community members through the Food Access program.

The medical intern primarily assisted with intake and medical interpretation and helped to train new student volunteers and orient incoming residents in understanding the resources available at Puentes. The intern helped interpret medical documents for a wound care kit that will be provided to patients and used interpretation skills to help undocumented patients communicate their stories to the resident physicians. 

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Reflections: 
Paola Salas: “I began my work with Puentes in September 2023 as part of my foundation year social work field placement. Due to my deep appreciation for Puentes’ mission, I returned to this work through the BTG internship. Both programs have been deeply humbling and transformative experiences for me, both as a social worker and as a human being. Puentes is run for the Latinx community largely by the Latinx community, and this is evident in the passion, commitment, and care that fills the air within the Puentes building. Through Puentes, I have witnessed firsthand just how impactful the power of community can be. Puentes community members support each other through a community WhatsApp group chat where clients share resources, ask for help, raise funds, and more. Puentes employees go above and beyond solving their clients’ presenting problems, truly devoted to being stepping stones toward success in their clients’ immigration journeys. The entire community—doctors, nurses, dentists, social workers, volunteers, clients, and more—gathers to celebrate events like Christmas and Puentes’ 10th anniversary. My experience at Puentes has exemplified to me what this work should look like. It is comprehensive, strengths-based, client- and community-centered, and most importantly, delivered with the respect and care that this community so deserves.”

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Ariel Sanchez: “I started volunteering at Puentes last year because I feel a deep connection to the patient population. Being the son of two parents who were previously undocumented, I wanted to understand their story by getting to know the stories of patients who walk through Puentes’ doors, and how organizations like Puentes use their limited resources to bring about change. To me, Puentes represents the best possible care that undocumented patients can realistically get in our current system. While not perfect, its approach is pragmatic and helped me understand the gaps in our current healthcare system. I was inspired by the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and physicians, who always go above and beyond to make sure the patients are fully cared for. Even within our busy days, the people at Puentes always find space to laugh and cry with patients. It reinvigorated my commitment to serving this population in my career. I also felt the importance of paying attention to the resources available to my patient after they leave the hospital and not making assumptions of the resources available to my patients.”

 

Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden

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Farm-to-Table Cooking Crew: Cultivating Culinary Skills and Wellness

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Student Interns:
Reshma Davis, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine 
Cherry Ni, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

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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: 
Tyler Holmberg, Co-Director, Sankofa Community Farm

Community Site: 
The Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden is a vibrant, community-driven urban farm located in Southwest Philadelphia. It combines sustainable agriculture with African cultural heritage, emphasizing food sovereignty and environmental management. The farm provides fresh produce to the local community, engages youth through educational programs, and fosters a deeper connection to the land and cultural roots.

Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked as the cooking crew for adolescents during the summer program. They assisted in making breakfast or lunch for the students while teaching basic cooking skills and encouraging creativity to make delicious meals with vegetables grown on the farm. The interns emphasized responsibility, safety, time management in the kitchen, and teamwork. They also participated in fieldwork, which involved weeding and harvesting, and taught lessons about wellness, oral health, the use of social media, and careers in healthcare. Their aim was to inspire healthy habits and holistic well-being among the youth.

Reflections: 
Reshma Davis and Cherry Ni: “Working at Sankofa Community Farm this summer has been an incredibly meaningful experience for us. We gained a deep understanding of the issues surrounding food sovereignty in West Philadelphia, as well as the rich history, struggles, and culture of African Americans. Witnessing the connections built within this community and observing the entire cycle of fresh food production—from seeding to harvesting and selling—has been enlightening. By understanding the community’s history and the significance of food sovereignty, we hope to better grasp our patients’ stories and backgrounds beyond their immediate medical needs. This holistic understanding will enrich our approach to healthcare, allowing us to more effectively connect with and serve our patients.”

 

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

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Summers@Smith

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Student Interns: 
Sruti Bhakta, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice 
Adam Paymer, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

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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 

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Community Preceptor: 
Frances Hoover, Executive Director, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

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Community Site: 
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a free indoor and outdoor play area that provides opportunities for children to play and interact with others. It was opened to the public in 1899 and has served families in Philadelphia throughout multiple generations.

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Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns served as summer camp counselors for approximately 30 children between the ages of 6 and 12 and assisted the co-directors in developing and implementing play-based learning activities throughout the six-week camp. They taught the children the basics of nutrition to promote cardiovascular health and presented on cavities and how to maintain good oral health. The interns also organized activities using sports and nature to promote teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

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Reflections:
Sruti Bhakta: “My experience at Smith has allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with the children and staff at camp. They have taught me how to have patience, build trust, be creative, and how to truly have fun again. I am thankful to have had this opportunity because I am now better equipped to work in the healthcare field and bridge different communities together.” 

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Adam Paymer: “My opportunity at Smith Memorial truly allowed me to see their core values of creative, fun, and imaginative play in every single child. Through working with the kids, I’ve seen myself grow as a leader, mentor, and group member in such a short time. The time I’ve spent with the staff and children will be something I cherish and use as I become a medical professional.”
 

Social Needs Response Team (SNRT) at Penn Medicine

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Care No Matter the Distance

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Student Interns: 
John Kim, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Tracy Zhang, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

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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 

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Community Preceptors: 
Deborah Lowenstein, LCSW, Social Work Manager, The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Ana Bonilla Martinez, BS, SNRT Program Manager

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Community Site: 
Founded during the COVID pandemic, Social Needs Response Team (SNRT) is a virtual call center that works with community-based organizations and local clinics to help anyone who needs it, and primarily addresses safety, immediate social needs, and distress. An interdisciplinary team of nursing, medical, dental, and social work professionals and more collaborate in a remote setting to directly connect patients to resources and address unmet social needs including housing, food insecurity, and access to healthcare resources. 

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Team’s Experience:
This past summer, SNRT directly connected patients to community resources to address a variety of social needs. The Bridging the Gaps student interns contacted and fully screened patients for safety, distress, and social determinants of health and provided resources that were specific to each patient while keeping in mind eligibility, cost, and access. They worked on numerous cases throughout the weeks, addressing issues such as homelessness, transportation, mental health, food insecurity, lack of insurance, and access to care. During these conversations, the BTG team exercised empathetic inquiry by offering a listening ear and providing emotional support to those in need. The interns displayed compassion, built trust with patients, and allowed patients to open up in a welcoming environment, especially when asked to speak on vulnerable topics.

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Reflections:
John Kim and Tracy Zhang: “Reflecting on our time at SNRT, we deeply appreciate the enriching journey it has been. This summer has offered us invaluable insights into the daily challenges patients face when navigating community resources. By engaging directly with individuals from all walks of life, we’ve witnessed firsthand the shortcomings within our healthcare system, particularly how they affect marginalized communities. As future healthcare professionals, this experience has highlighted the importance of advocating for our patients and delivering patient-centered care according to their specific needs. We now feel better equipped to tackle the broader issues that impact patient health, allowing for a more comprehensive approach. Moreover, our communication skills with patients have significantly improved, and we’ve developed a greater appreciation for the collaborative efforts required across healthcare teams. This experience has not only prepared us for the complexities of patient care but has also reinforced our commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare delivery. Overall, our time at SNRT has been transformative, shaping us into more empathetic, skilled, and dedicated future healthcare professionals. We look forward to applying these skills throughout our careers, ensuring that we can contribute to the well-being of our patients and communities.”