Broad Street Love

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Serving Radical Hospitality at Broad Street Love: Food, Mail, and Service 

Student Interns:      
Jesse Devlin, Drexel University College of Medicine 
Caitlin Farnsworth, Drexel University College of Medicine 

Academic Preceptor:   
Annette Gadegbeku, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine 

Community Preceptor: 
Nikki Brown, MSW, Broad Street Love

Community Site: 
Broad Street Love, formerly Broad Street Ministry, is a transformative organization rooted in Philadelphia, renowned for its practice of radical hospitality. The organization recently changed its name to increase inclusivity and make the space more welcoming for individuals from different walks of life. Through a diverse range of services such as meal programs, case management, reentry support, and personal care services, Broad Street Love creates a welcoming environment that honors the dignity of every individual it serves. The organization’s approach emphasizes trauma-aware and person-centered care, ensuring that each interaction is compassionate and supportive. With its commitment to fostering community and providing essential resources, Broad Street Love stands as a beacon of compassion and empowerment in Philadelphia’s social service landscape.

Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on supporting Broad Street Love by assisting with various operational tasks, including distributing guest mail, organizing mail, signing up individuals for mailboxes, and completing official documentation for licensing purposes. The interns served meals during lunch service, aided with phone calls and guest inquiries through the concierge service, and conducted data entry and evaluation as part of efforts to streamline guest services by transferring information from an older system to an updated one, which enhances integration across Broad Street Love’s resources. The data transfer will also allow Broad Street Love to provide funders with accurate data to increase funding for its programs.  

Reflections:   
Jesse Devlin: “Volunteering at Broad Street Love was a profound experience that broadened my understanding of service and community. We immersed ourselves wherever help was needed, whether it was serving meals, managing the mailroom, or consolidating data. Witnessing firsthand how these efforts directly impacted around 400 clients daily was humbling and inspiring. Interacting with the dedicated staff, I gained a deeper appreciation for the concept of radical hospitality—treating each person with the utmost respect and dignity, mirroring the warmth of a host welcoming guests into their home. This experience taught me valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of compassionate care in creating a supportive environment for all.”

Caitlin Farnsworth: “Working at Broad Street Love this past summer has profoundly shaped my professional and personal growth. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspective and deepened my empathy for the unhoused population. Moreover, confronting the bureaucratic challenges faced by the unhoused population has highlighted the resilience required to navigate systemic barriers, leaving a lasting impact on my understanding of social justice issues. The experience has been pivotal in improving my communication skills, allowing me to effectively collaborate with staff at Broad Street Love and engage compassionately with guests. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience with Excel and data management has equipped me with practical skills I would otherwise not be exposed to. Overall, witnessing the dedication of the staff at Broad Street Love, operating with limited resources, has fostered admiration and inspired me to contribute more actively to such causes.” 

 

College of Physicians - Mütter Museum

 

It’s a STEM Summer

 

Student Interns:

Grace DiDomenico, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Ashley Saravia, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Stacy Ellen, DO, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine

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

 

Community Preceptors:

Jeanene Johnson, College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Sarah Lumbo, College of Physicians of Philadelphia

 

Community Site:

The College of Physicians hosts a STEM internship for high school students at the Mütter Museum. The social justice-oriented program helps students develop the tools necessary to prepare for their futures and address issues that directly affect their communities.

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted community preceptors both with campers and with academic lesson plan development. The interns developed a vital signs workshop and taught it to the kids while exploring the social determinants of health. They planned and executed a tour of the Gross Anatomy Lab at Drexel University, including a demonstration of prosected donor bodies, and a trip to the Penn Museum, and they worked on promotional and educational material for future programs.

Reflections:
Grace DiDomenico and Ashley Saravia: “It was a rewarding experience to have the opportunity to create mentorships between us and the aspiring students in STEM. All the students have immense potential, and we are glad that we can be a part of their journey. Every week has been filled with fun and engaging activities, creating an educational and interactive atmosphere. By the end of the program, we felt like bigger siblings to the students where they were comfortable to ask any questions [about] college, nursing/medical school, and life.”

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Depaul USA

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A Hands-on Trinity of Collaboration

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Student Interns:  
Sogand Karimian, Drexel University College of Medicine
Caroline Wang, Drexel University College of Medicine
 
Academic Preceptor: 
Steven Peitzman, MD, FAACP, Drexel University College of Medicine

Community Preceptor: 
Brendan Sculley, MSW, Depaul USA

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Community Site: 
Depaul USA opened its first program in Philadelphia in 2009 and now runs five programs: a recovery house, supportive housing for individuals with chronic health conditions and a history of housing instability, transitional housing for college students experiencing homelessness, rapid rehousing, and a social enterprise that offers employment opportunities for residents and graduates of the recovery program. Depaul aims to provide comprehensive services, including housing, case management, financial assistance, and employment assistance, to help individuals transition out of homelessness and into lives of greater stability and fulfillment. 
 
Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked at three sites: St. Joseph’s House, St. Raymond’s House, and Depaul House. St. Joseph’s House provides housing for college students experiencing housing insecurity, St. Raymond’s House provides supportive housing for individuals with chronic health conditions who have also experienced chronic homelessness, and Depaul House is a recovery house for men with substance use disorders. Because of the different populations at each house, the role of the interns varied at each site to meet the unique needs of the residents. At St. Joseph’s House, the interns conducted workshops on healthy eating, recognizing burnout and self-care, professionalism and interview skills, and sexual health. The interns organized the clothing donation closet, collected professional clothing donations, and set up partnerships with organizations to provide residents with professional clothing at no cost. They also created a community grocery and meal guide with information on local grocery stores and food pantries as well as recipes for affordable and balanced meals; the guide was shared as a template for Depaul programs across the country. The interns also adapted the recipe book for bulk cooking at St. Raymond’s and Depaul House. At St. Raymond’s House, the interns assisted the residents with their daily needs and helped schedule medical appointments. At Depaul House, the interns organized professional clothing donations and helped unload and sort the weekly Philabundance food donations.  
 
Reflections:
Sogand Karimian: “As a BTG intern, I see the direct parallel between my career in healthcare and my time at the Depaul Philadelphia sites. This internship highlighted the importance of listening to the community, brainstorming with them ideas that can benefit them, and considering the environment, staff, and residents when it comes to making positive changes at the houses, no matter the size of the difference. We were able to put together numerous workshops and projects, such as the cookbook and cleaning out the closets, that were not immediately used by residents but did get used over time with us talking to them about the resources and taking the time to educate them. BTG really emphasized for me how important it is to listen to understand and to collaborate to benefit the community we work with and not just to see a project come to fruition. It highlighted the need to tailor care and programs to the individual, especially since each Depaul house has their own unique needs even if they are all facing house insecurity. At the end of the day, we are not defined by our struggles, and we must take the time to know a person beyond their struggles to help them succeed.”

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Caroline Wang: “The BTG internship has given me further insight into the intersectionality of homelessness, physical and mental health, and substance use. I have seen the challenges of navigating a system that requires people to exhaust all their options before offering support, creating additional barriers for people to access the resources and care they need. Despite these challenges, I have also seen people’s resilience. Through my interactions with the residents at each house, I am constantly reminded of our shared humanity and how sometimes the best thing we can do for someone is to be there for them and meet them where they are at. Instead of pushing our own agendas or doing what we think is best, we can build stronger, trusting relationships and achieve better outcomes by first being present and listening to the community members.”

 

Drexel Food Lab

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Reducing Food Waste: Combating Waste for a Better Future

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Student Interns:  
Belinda Faakye, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health
Felicia Yan, Drexel University College of Medicine

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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 

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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.
https://drexel.edu/cnhp/research/centers/Drexel-Food-Lab/

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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.

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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!” 

 

Einstein Immunodeficiency Center (IDC)

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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

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Academic Preceptor: 
Kristen Ryczak, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine

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Community Preceptor: 
Nicola D’Souza, MPH, LSW, Einstein Immunodeficiency Center 

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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.

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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. 

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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.”
 

FamFrequency Productions

 

FamFrequency Productions Student-Artist Fellowship

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Student Interns:  
Audrey Mills, Drexel University College of Medicine
Jonathan Van Arneman, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy

 

Academic Preceptor:  
Stacy Ellen, DO, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children 
 
Community Preceptors:  
Jonathan Edwards, FamFrequency Productions Cofounder
Lanisha Otuonye, FamFrequency Productions Cofounder
 
Community Site:
FamFrequency Productions is a music and entrepreneurship fellowship serving Philadelphia high school students. The fellowship, run by Cofounders Jonathan Edwards and Lanisha Otuonye, empowers young Philadelphia artists to be financially independent and to confidently pursue their art. The 15-month fellowship consists of an eight-week summer accelerator, followed by monthly sessions during the school year, then concludes with a second summer where they learn mixing, mastering, and performance. The fellowship aims to prepare Philadelphia high school students for careers as music entrepreneurs by providing them with skills, resources, and opportunities that allow them to build multiple streams of income with their music.
 
Team’s Experience: 
This was the second summer of the FamFrequency Productions eight-week fellowship. One of the Bridging the Gaps student interns selected and designed a new learning management site for the FamFrequency Productions curriculum. The other BTG intern supervised the creation of a documentary that could be used to explain the FamFrequency Productions internship to potential donors and future participants. Both interns assisted with logistical tasks such as taking student attendance, doing one-to-one weekly check-ins with students, communicating with parents, chaperoning student field trips, and assisting with day-to-day procedures.  
 
Reflections:  
Audrey Mills: “Working this summer at FamFrequency Productions with BTG CHIP was an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience. I learned so much about the rich musical and artistic community in Philadelphia. Watching young musicians learn how to make their art and financially support themselves was inspiring. I had no idea how much technology, entrepreneurial skills, and networking were involved. I am so grateful to have been able to watch students write, produce, and perform their own music at the fellowship. It was so special to see such a wonderful and thriving artistic community paying it forward and teaching the next generation of artists. I know that I will use this experience and fellowship as an example of how important and meaningful it is for students to receive a musical and entrepreneurship education.”

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Jonathan Van Arneman: “Working at FamFrequency Productions this summer was a great reminder of how impactful the arts can be when they are well supported. Watching the evolution of the students over the summer in how they used their new skills to express themselves and fortify their identities was an enriching experience. Philadelphia has historically been an incredibly special space for music, and it is encouraging to see FamFrequency Productions continue in that legacy. I know these students are going to be amazing artists and creators, and I look forward to the beauty that they are sure to add to the world.”

 

Frankie’s World

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Frankie’s World Summer Camp 

Student Intern:  
Teresa Moorhead, Drexel University College of Medicine 

Academic Preceptor: 
Kelley White, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine 

Community Preceptor:  
Conny Lockwood, Frankie’s World

Community Site: 
Frankie’s World is a nonprofit medical day care center and preschool for children with medical needs in the Philadelphia area. Frankie’s World is staffed by a group of skilled nurses, energetic teachers, and kind aides who all work together to provide comprehensive medical care and engaging and thoughtful early-childhood education. This care encourages physical, social, and educational development throughout early childhood. Frankie’s World is a safe and accepting place for children of all walks of life to play, learn, and grow together. 

Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student intern assisted staff at Frankie’s World in planning, organizing, and leading a summer camp for children with medical needs. Each day, the intern planned and led educational lessons, craft activities, and group games for children aged 5 to 10. The intern incorporated a range of activities to help the students practice both gross and fine motor skills and to encourage their social and emotional development. The intern used adaptable and kid-friendly techniques to promote a welcoming and exciting environment for all children.  

Reflections:   
Teresa Moorhead: “Frankie’s World is a place that focuses on the whole child, and not just their medical needs, by allowing children to be around others who look like them and have similar lived experiences. In such a setting, the children’s personalities shine and they can thrive. I have learned a lot about reliance and adaptability from simply being around these children over the last few weeks, but most impactfully, I have seen how important it is for these children to have a place where they can just be kids. Things like playing dress-up, tag, and dancing around are things that unite all kids and allow them to connect to each other, and it’s not different for children with medical needs. On a larger scale, I have learned about the importance of having places like Frankie’s World, with skilled professionals, for children in preschool or during summer break when a full-time caregiver may not be available. I also learned about ways we can adapt the everyday world to be more accommodating to our neighbors and friends through simple things like ensuring there are wheelchair ramps, using technology to communicate with others, and speaking to everyone in a kind manner.” 

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Gaudenzia Philly House​

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The Many Hurdles of Reentry

Student Interns:     
Shrilakkshmi Babu, Drexel University College of Medicine
Gail Hutchings, Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law

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Academic Preceptor: 
Charlene Chen, MD, DipABLM, Esperanza Health

Community Preceptor: 
Agnes Brown, Gaudenzia Philly House

Community Site: 
A community corrections facility for women reentering society, Gaudenzia Philly House is a 24-hour residential facility focused on mental health and substance-use treatment. Gaudenzia Philly House houses approximately 20 women at any given time. While Gaudenzia runs it, it is funded by the Department of Corrections, so residents are still technically incarcerated. Residents receive treatment for any substance use or mental health issues they may have and attend group therapy together. They live there until they find housing, either independently or through family or friends. Once approved by their parole officers, they may leave. The mission is to help women gain the life skills they need to reenter society, improve their well-being, and have a sustainable fresh start.

 

Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns at Gaudenzia gathered resources related to health and life skills education and presented them to clients both individually and in groups. The interns also helped some clients set up healthcare appointments and accompanied some to better advocate for their health concerns. They also signed up residents for health insurance, picked up medications, and sought proper medical supplies for residents at low cost. Throughout the summer they also helped residents find affordable housing, job fairs, and career training courses and researched legal issues pertaining to employment and housing. All the resources they found throughout the summer were compiled into a document for the next group of interns to help save time and energy.

Reflections:
Shrilakkshmi Babu: “Working as an intern at Gaudenzia Philly House opened my eyes to the several obstacles individuals transitioning from incarceration face on a day-to-day basis trying to build their life back up after prison. Every aspect of their life, from health insurance to state IDs to disability benefits, has so many steps needed that seem straightforward but are, in fact, taller orders to fulfill than one would think. The residents at Gaudenzia have to juggle finding housing, employment, and healthcare on top of adjusting to living with others in a new environment. Several of the systems in place make it difficult for reentrants to access the basic necessities for living in society, with housing and healthcare being the biggest challenges. Incarceration, particularly for felons, carries stigma, and the lack of resources as well as the many requisites to get available resources can make things feel impossible to achieve. Still, the residents of Gaudenzia Philly House continue one step at a time thanks to their resilient attitudes and willingness to change their life. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to make meaningful connections with each of the residents. Their openness in sharing their stories with me and being able to work by their sides allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how I can better serve their population as a future physician.”

Gail Hutchings: “Working at Gaudenzia made me more aware of how difficult it can be to reenter society without strong family support or housing options. Being in a community corrections facility makes things very difficult for the women who rely on benefits such as Social Security, disability, and Medicare to be able to access and claim those benefits. Without those benefits, it’s harder for them to find housing, and be able to transition to independence. Older reentrants face even more problems, especially in being able to find jobs or sources of income other than those social benefits. It changed my perspective on what sort of needs this population has, and how I can better serve them throughout my career in policy and program implementation. I’m grateful for the connections I made and for the trust I was given by the residents so that I could learn how to support them better.”

 

Girls Inc. ​

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Taking the Lead at Girls Inc. That’s Stronger, Smarter & Bolder 

Student Interns: 
Suhani Patel, Drexel University College of Medicine 
Rayna Richardson, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy

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Academic Preceptor: 
Renee Kottenhahn, MD, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine  

Community Preceptors: 
Sandra Fontroy, Girls Inc.
Brionna Pendleton, Girls Inc.
 
Community Site: 
Using a whole-girl approach to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey serves more than 3,000 girls annually. Through Girls Inc. young girls can develop their confidence, build on their strengths, and take bold risks through evidence-based programs, mentoring, and healthy relationships, and through a safe and proactive environment with other young women. Girls Inc. equips young girls to navigate barriers and face challenges while also promoting health, wellness, independence, and opportunities for girls everywhere. 

Team’s Experience: 
Taking the Lead at Girls Inc. That’s Smarter, Stronger, & Bolder, captures the essence of working with passionate youth who are ready for change and impact in their schools, communities, and environments being channeled through their unique interests, curiosities, and talents. Community, collaboration, safety, and comfort were some of the igniting and blossoming factors that are expressed within this work. The Bridging the Gaps student interns led STEM-based lessons on virtual reality, 3D modeling, and astronomy; health and wellness lessons on e-cigarettes and mindfulness; and interactive personal development lessons on defining leadership, finding your own strengths, and career exploration. The goal of this work was to engage, inform, inspire, build sisterhood, and promote well-being among young girls and future leaders.

Reflections:
Suhani Patel: “My experience at Girls Inc. has been a memorable one. I had the opportunity to form meaningful connections with young girls who are so incredibly intelligent and kind. It was heartwarming to see their awareness of the world we live in and their passion for change and leadership at such a young age. Having the opportunity to work with adolescent girls, my fellow BTG member at the site, and other members of Girls Inc. really taught me the importance of being a listener who is attentive to the needs of those around them. Learning to promote a safe, welcoming, warm environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, making it possible to build connection and community, has been crucial to this summer camp experience. Girls Inc. truly does embody ‘strong, smart, and bold,’ and I will be carrying that with me throughout my future endeavors.”

Rayna Richardson: “My experience with Girls Inc. has taught me the importance of operating as a student and lifelong learner, working through a lens of humility, and becoming a co-learner, co-creator, and active listener within a community. Over five weeks, I’ve had the honor of working with young women of color who are destined to become doctors, engineers, fierce athletes, and artists who have ignited new curiosities and goals within myself, specifically the importance of attunement and continuing to meet people where they are. I’ve not only had the pleasure of learning, laughing, and collaborating with my students, but they’ve shown me the value of maintaining your word and commitment in a community that builds trust and authenticity, principles that go a long way among our youth today. Thank you, Girls Inc., for the experiences I will continue to hold throughout my journey.” 

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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  

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

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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.

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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Greener Partners​

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Greener Partners: Strengthening Community in West Philadelphia Through Urban Farming and Food Justice

Student Intern: 
Valentina de Queiroz, Drexel University College of Medicine

Academic Preceptor: 
Jeremiah Goldstein, MD, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

Community Preceptor: 
Jessica Chou, Greener Partners

Community Site: 
Greener Partners is a Philadelphia nonprofit organization that aims to connect local communities to fresh produce and green spaces. The organization has built and tends to multiple community and school gardens, and Greener Partners educators lead school programs to provide food education and give students hands-on garden experiences. Two mobile farm vans bring the local gardens and farms directly to students and other community members. Greener Partners has also brought healthy choices and fresh foods into multiple healthcare spaces, starting with the establishment of the Deaver Wellness Farm at Lankenau Medical Center. The produce from this garden goes directly to patients at the medical center, and resident physicians get to work on the farm during elective rotations to learn about food inequality and justice. Greener Partners aims to change lives and health outcomes by being present in schools, healthcare systems, and the community at large. 

Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student intern assisted members of the team with various tasks, including daily watering and upkeep for a specific community garden and general maintenance, harvesting, and planting in other community gardens in the West Philadelphia area. The BTG intern also created social media posts for a donation campaign for Greener Partners and helped compile a contact database for all schools in Delaware County and Philadelphia. The intern also assisted Greener Partners educators with a weekly school program and with the hosting of and programming for seven high school interns for four weeks. 

Reflections: 
Valentina de Queiroz: “Having worked with Greener Partners throughout my first year of medical school, my transition to being their BTG intern felt smooth and seamless. I had previously helped with their school programs and was therefore excited to learn about the various other facets to the organization. I was warmly welcomed by the remainder of the GP team and really felt like I was also part of their team, someone who could make a difference in my time with them. Throughout this summer, I have been able to try my hand at new skills, like gardening and farm work. It was special to be able to do this specifically in the West Philly area. I have been able to witness the tightknit nature of the community and learn from this place that I get to call home for the next years. As an outsider entering this community and workspace, it was important for me to be as helpful as possible this summer but also to sit back, watch, and listen. It’s been nothing short of inspiring for me to see how deeply everyone on the Greener Partners team cares about their mission to provide healthier choices, food education, and the joy of garden/farm work. I’ve also really enjoyed my interactions with the adolescents and feel privileged to have been invited into their stories and journey of growing up. These interactions have led me to further consider ways in which I can stay connected to youth in the specialty that I end up choosing. Even though working in the urban farming space may have initially seemed like a fun challenge and escape to me, it has reminded me of the barriers to healthy and well-rounded living that exist for so many. As a future healthcare provider, I want to make sure to not lose sight of this when I make recommendations and suggestions to my future patients. I want to continue taking part in efforts that better the lives of patients beyond medical offices.” ​

 

HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Summer Adventures at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.”

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Inglis House​

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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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Legacy Youth Tennis and Education

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Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
 
Student Interns:     
Ryan Aturaliya, Drexel University College of Medicine
Zachary Li, Drexel University College of Medicine
 
Academic Preceptor: 
Daniel R. Taylor, DO, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
 
Community Preceptor:  
Joni Helton, Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
 
Community Site: 
Legacy Youth Tennis and Education offers free and low-cost seven-week summer tennis camps at 18 sites throughout Philadelphia. Campers receive tennis skill development, mentorship, and an opportunity to compete in the U.S. Tennis Association essay contest. Legacy’s inclusive and affordable community camps promote the development of high-achieving athletes while simultaneously making fitness education and character development more accessible. Legacy’s Out-of-School-Time Program partners with local Philadelphia schools to provide safe and enriching childcare during the summer and after school.
 
Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns were assigned to various Community Tennis Camp sites (such as Parkside, Allens Lane, and Water Tower Recreation Center) throughout the greater Philadelphia area. At community sites, interns collaborated with site directors, tennis instructors, and junior tennis instructors to help deliver tennis-centered programming including warm-ups, skill development drills, and group games. In addition, interns also spent time at the main Legacy Center, working on social media marketing, camper registration, and other behind-the-scenes administrative/organizational tasks to help the programs run smoothly. 
 
Reflections: 
Ryan Aturaliya and Zachary Li: “Although we truly enjoyed providing tennis coaching to the campers at the community sites, we especially appreciated the opportunity to connect with the kids and coaches in our community. Many of the kids came out of their shells, showing growth not only in their tennis skills but also in their maturity. We found this experience invaluable for gaining insight into working with children, a population neither of us had ever worked with before. For example, we learned how to patiently problem-solve with the kids to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. We were motivated by the dedication of the coaches who have served their communities for decades, giving so much of their time and effort to ensure an affordable, safe, and fun camp. This experience has really shaped our perspective and influenced our plans for our future practice. We look forward to continuing to be involved in our communities and learning from them to best serve our patients in the future.”​​

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Mental Health Partnerships, The Well and A New Life​

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Empowering Minds and Nurturing Connections: Mental Health Transformations Through Language, Wellness, and Culture

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Student Intern: 
Khushi Doshi, Drexel University College of Medicine

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Academic Preceptor: 
Charlene Chen, MD, Esperanza Health Center

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Community Preceptors: 
Tanya Doyle, Mental Health Partnerships
Cheryl Smith, Mental Health Partnerships

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Community Site: 
Since 1951, Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) has been at the forefront of transforming mental health services. Its foundation lies in a community-based approach that nurtures self-efficacy and community involvement, allowing individuals to take control of their own health journeys and overcome significant challenges. Offering a wide and diverse range of services, training, advocacy, and resources to the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey areas, MHP has emerged as a trailblazer in mental health services and comprehensive support. The Well and A New Life are recovery learning centers located in Philadelphia that connect participants to natural community support, provide one-on-one counseling, and offer recovery-oriented education classes. 

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Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student intern developed, integrated, and led participant group sessions on wellness. The intern educated participants on maintaining their health through exercises and led educational sessions on stress management, nutrition, and oral health. Taking part in language learning sessions, the intern emphasized the importance of continuous curiosity and cultural awareness, encouraging participants to keep an open mind and continue learning. Fostering community awareness, the intern planned and organized an inter-program event to train the participants of both locations in Narcan competency and distributed Narcan. 

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Reflections: 
Khushi Doshi: “My BTG CHIP experience allowed me to build relationships within a community of people looking to better themselves and others. I gained valuable insight into the personal experiences that many of the participants have had with the jail system and other resources they have tried to access in the past. I was inspired by the participants’ willingness to learn the material talked about in groups and implement [it] into their own lives, including learning a new language. I was able to relay the importance of self-care through diet, exercise, and mindfulness activities.  I hope to integrate this knowledge I gained about resources and organizations in the area into my medical practice and use the techniques I developed to educate my patients about diet and exercise in a way that is feasible and inspiring.”
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Philadelphia Department of Public Health​

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Prescription Assistance Program Patient Advocates

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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 

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

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Community Preceptor:  
Eleah Parker, MPH, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

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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. 

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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. 

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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.”

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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.”

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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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St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs​

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St. Christopher’s Hospital 14th Annual Back-to-School Carnival

Student Interns: 
Jinsy Johnson, Drexel University College of Medicine 
Anish Ponna, Drexel University College of Medicine

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Academic Preceptor: 
Angela Kim, MS, MD, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

 
Community Preceptor:  
Renee Turchi, MD, MPH, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

 

Community Site: 
The Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs is located within St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. It provides complete, coordinated, family-centered care in a single place.

Team’s Experience: 
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with the Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs to plan the 14th Annual Back-to-School Carnival, held each summer to provide families in the Philadelphia community with health resources and the children with backpacks filled with school supplies to help prepare them for the new academic year. Since the Carnival’s inception, the event has entertained nearly 15,000 children and their families and provided school supplies to thousands of children. To prepare for the backpack drive and carnival, the BTG interns aided in fundraising, planning, and ordering supplies. The interns’ main project was coordinating the vendors and reaching out to community organizations to table at the Carnival. Also, the interns worked with the Cardiology department to coordinate volunteers for health screenings.

Reflections:
Jinsy Johnson: “I am very grateful for my experience at BTG and at St. Chris. It was a rewarding and enlightening experience to organize the 14th annual carnival. While at St. Chris we were able to work with such dedicated people, like Dr. Turchi and her team, which made our time even more enjoyable. It was amazing to see firsthand how St. Chris is a pillar to the North Philadelphia community, but also how willing the community is to give back to events like the carnival. It was touching to see the number of people ready to donate, volunteer, and/or participate as a community partner. As a future physician, I hope to initiate or engage in community events, drawing upon the insights and lessons gained from organizing this carnival.”

Anish Ponna: “I will look back at my time with the Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs extremely fondly. It was an extremely fun and gratifying experience to plan and coordinate an event of this magnitude. The community that St. Chris serves is one that I am passionate about serving in my future career as a physician, and seeing firsthand the impact that an event like this can have on families was very moving. Working alongside Dr. Turchi, who is so passionate about this event and the community it benefits, was truly inspiring. She works tirelessly to make sure each year’s carnival is bigger and better than the year before, and to be a part of the team helping to plan the event felt very gratifying. This summer helped me learn more about the struggles facing low-income communities, and how as a future physician, I can work to enact change to support these communities I’ll be serving.