2024 children & youth projects
Drexel Kindergarten Bridge Program
Empowering Children in Transition Through the Kindergarten Bridge
Student Interns:
Sancia Noriega, Drexel University College of Medicine
Hannah Ruby, Drexel University College of Medicine
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Academic Preceptor:
Tariem Burroughs, PhD, MSEd, MSODL, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health
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Community Preceptor:
Andrea DiMola, MS, Drexel University School of Education
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Community Site:
The Drexel Kindergarten Bridge (K-Bridge) Program is a five-week summer program offered to rising kindergarten students at Samuel Powel Elementary School in underserved West Philadelphia. It aims to facilitate the transition into kindergarten for children and their families by promoting skills necessary for success in school. Through collaboration with various community organizations, including Playworks, Eat Right Philly, Greener Partners, and the Dornsife Community Garden, the Drexel Kindergarten Bridge Program provides children with a wide range of educational, wellness, and social learning at no cost to their families, with all meals provided.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted the K-Bridge Program by completing administrative tasks, such as educational assessments, and directly leading and facilitating many fun and educational activities. In addition to arrivals, dismissals, daily snacks, mealtimes, and recess, the BTG interns led daily arts and crafts, games, play-based learning activities, mindfulness activities, and weekly water playtime to promote the development of social, emotional, and fine motor skills, along with creative expression. Interns also led weekly field trips to the Dornsife Community Garden, teaching the children about gardening and plant life, nutrition, teamwork and collaboration, and living in community with others.
Reflections:
Sancia Noriega: “It cannot be overstated how much of a joy it has been to contribute to the early education and development of such an incredible group of kids alongside this talented and dedicated team of educators. This was a space in which I was constantly challenged to be adaptable, patient, and creative. Working with children as they developed skills in communication and emotional regulation for the first time was an opportunity to further develop my own skills in effective communication, mindfulness, and self-awareness. At an early age access to food, quality education, role models, and opportunities for success are often largely dependent on the school you attend. This experience has illuminated the important role of educators on the health of a community and the role that schools play in the outcomes of a society as a whole. It has also highlighted the ways in which systemic inequalities can be compounded throughout one’s life and how early experiences of inequality can begin to serve as a barrier to one’s ability to thrive and reach one’s highest potential.”
Hannah Ruby: “This site has been such fun. Working with the rising kindergartners this summer was such a refreshing experience after completing my first year of medical school. Prior to this experience, I had respected the work of teachers, but this summer has shown me the significant role educators play in the health of their communities. I had been familiar with the correlation between education and health outcomes, but I had not realized the number of hats teachers wear. They are responsible for teaching reading and math, but also maintaining the mental and physical health of the 20 to 30 children in their care. Often, they must translate this care to create collaborative and healthy relationships with the children’s families. Beyond widening my appreciation and advocacy efforts for educators, this experience taught me valuable lessons about myself. I learned the depth of my patience, the importance of setting boundaries, and that building connections is not about always saying or doing the right thing, but about continually showing up and trying your best.”
Frankie’s World
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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Greener Partners
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
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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.”
Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
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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Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
Summers@Smith
Student Interns:
Sruti Bhakta, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
Adam Paymer, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Academic Preceptors:
Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Frances Hoover, Executive Director, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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Southwest Community Development Corporation
Hugs, High-Fives, and Health: A Summer of Compassionate Learning
Student Interns:
Noah Buzinkai, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Joya Sims, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Angela Steinkrauss, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Academic Preceptors:
Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Abigail Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Community Preceptors:
Melvin Draughn, Southwest Community Development Corporation
Shalese Reaves-Thomas, Southwest Community Development Corporation
Shaketia Sills, Southwest Community Development Corporation
Lorraine Thomas, Southwest Community Development Corporation
Community Site:
Southwest Community Development Corporation, also known as Southwest CDC, has been improving quality of life and making a difference in the Southwest Philadelphia community since 1987. The After School Program, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, the Neighborhood Energy Center, and the provision of resources through employment and economic development are the pillars of Southwest CDC’s services to support the community. This summer, Southwest CDC once again provided a day camp for student scholars in kindergarten through fifth grade, providing games, literacy, arts and crafts, and dance programming to provide a safe and educational experience for each scholar.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns developed educational and engaging activities for student scholars aged 5 to 10. The activities they created focused on developing literacy, communication, math, and teamwork skills. The interns brought concepts from their academic disciplines to camp through activities around nutrition, oral health care, and cardiovascular health/exercise. Scholars learned about the importance of brushing and flossing, making healthy food choices, and staying active and hydrated during the summer. To ensure the safety and enhance the educational experience of field trips, the interns also chaperoned scholars to Smith Memorial Playground, Adventure Aquarium, and SkyZone Philadelphia. Overall, the BTG interns fostered an innovative, enthusiastic, hopeful, and trusting community of scholars who will take this experience into the upcoming school year.
Reflections:
Noah Buzinkai: “This summer BTG allowed me to discover a love and joy of working with children and a desire to aid my local community in the future as a dental professional. Every day the scholars at the Southwest CDC day camp gave me a reason to laugh and smile. The energy they brought to the classroom was infectious and made each day fun and exciting for me as well. I found that teaching children and helping them work through difficult concepts, only for the lightbulb moment to go off in their eyes when they got it, filled me with joy. Walking down the hallways of the school and receiving constant high fives and hugs affirmed for me that in the future, this is the type of environment I want to work in and the population I want to care for. Coming to Southwest CDC each day also made me more aware of the disparities and challenges children in Philadelphia face each day, such as inadequate education and access to affordable care. As a future provider I hope to alleviate any of these barriers to the best of my ability.”
Joya Sims: “I was very excited to be a part of Bridging the Gaps before the summer started! My experience this summer far exceeded any expectation that I garnered in the school year! I wanted to be at Southwest CDC due to my own experience as a young scholar at a similar camp in my hometown. Many of the lessons and friends I made from my camp experience have not only shaped my reason for choosing a career in medicine but also my entire outlook on life. I aspired to be a part of a similar program, which is the experience Southwest CDC provides for the youth the corporation serves. From conversations with scholars during our lessons, I have learned so much about each of their unique lives, their familial cultures, and the lives they have touched in their community. I am so grateful for the support we received from Ms. Shaketia, Ms. Shalese, Mr. Melvin, Ms. Lorraine, and all of the teaching staff. Throughout the summer with our students and all the teachers at camp, I have been inspired to ‘stay the course’ on this difficult journey in medicine because my future colleagues are coming and ready to change the world. My experience at Southwest CDC has also allowed me to garner a deeper interest in caring for children as a future physician. This summer has been an amazing experience! I can’t wait to see many of the scholars I met this summer in the future as physicians, dentists, nurses, NFL players, teachers, nail technicians, and scientist colleagues!”
Angela Steinkrauss: “Although my task this summer as a BTG intern was to teach engaging science and health lessons, I am certain that the scholars at Southwest CDC taught me more than I ever could have hoped. Working with kids, I tried my hardest to be encouraging and reassuring toward all of their accomplishments, ideas, hopes, and dreams. With that, I have learned that with unconditional support comes trust, even with young kids. It has been the highlight of my summer watching the kids seek me out for a hug or a high five, or even confide in me with a question or comment for clarification. The very first few days of camp, we asked the scholars what they would like to be when they grow up so that we could gauge their interests and aspirations. It was inspiring to see such an empowered group of kids with aspirations of being a hat designer, engineer, firefighter, nurse, and so many more. Their innovation and enthusiasm with our activities and games proved to me just how bright and resilient children are. As a nursing student with aspirations to work with pediatrics, this summer has enlightened me about how I can develop relationships with patients so that in return they trust the information and medical advice that I am providing them. I am grateful to have been so welcomed into the Southwest CDC community. The people, whether staff or scholars, are truly what make the community so heartwarming and familial.”
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St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Center for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
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
Academic Preceptor:
Angela Kim, MS, MD, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
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Community Preceptor:
Renee Turchi, MD, MPH, FAAP, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Center for the Urban Child
St. Christopher’s Hospital, Pediatric Navigators
Student Interns:
Emily Cid, Drexel University College of Medicine
Christine (Bhobbie) Pagotan, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Angela Kim, MS, MD, FAAP, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Preceptors:
Renee Kottenhahn, MD, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine
Kathryn Stroup, MD, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Site:
The Center for the Urban Child (CUC) is an expansive outpatient facility on the St. Christopher’s campus. There, a multidisciplinary team cares for many families who face complex challenges due to financial, social, educational, and cultural barriers to care.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked as pediatric navigators in the CUC, connecting patients and families with resources, assisting with physicians’ workflows, and counseling families on the importance of reading and oral health. The interns also researched available environmental health resources regarding heat waves and air quality via online and social media presence and through email. They developed tip sheets to hand out to families detailing these resources. Finally, the interns refined the current curriculum and created a new educational curriculum on how to use a medical interpreter. This curriculum will be used to train future pediatric navigators on how to use a medical interpreter during their patient visits.
Reflections:
Emily Cid: “Continuing as a pediatric navigator for BTG has been invaluable and heartwarming. Using integrative health resources built into the everyday flow has shown me what an inclusive, whole person-based model of medicine can look like. I’m grateful to have learned from amazing staff, and I feel like I’ve caught the St. Christopher’s ‘bug’ of energy and compassion. Finding resources for patients on environmental health and heat waves has also proven valuable because, in the process, I have learned about various resources available out there for Philadelphians—everything from utility payment assistance to childcare to free or reduced fun activities. I was excited to share what I found with St. Chris families, and I want to continue staying up to date on city resources for future patients. Finally, I really enjoyed just having a chat with patients and their families. Whether I provided them with a resource or not, every family had a story that gave me a glimpse into their lives. Some had struggles, many had laughter, and all had resilience. I’m grateful to have shared that experience with them and understand how I can better serve my community as a future physician.”
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Christine (Bhobbie) Pagotan: “I am incredibly grateful to have continued my role as a pediatric navigator at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children this summer through the BTG CHIP program. The experiences I gained over the school year provided a foundation that allowed me to learn with purpose during this program. Building relationships with the dedicated team at St. Chris—including social workers, community health workers, nurses, security officers, residents, and attendings—motivated me to deepen my understanding of the resources available to our families and explore ways to expand them through BTG. Compiling resources to address the growing impact of climate change on families and healthcare providers brought both frustration and hope, highlighting the challenges families face in accessing healthcare. Engaging in conversations with residents and attendings and attending lectures at the hospital was invaluable in preparing me for clinical rotations. However, my greatest gratitude comes from the time spent with the families, whose resilience shone through in shared laughs, tears, and stories. They taught me how to better advocate for their needs, enabling them to focus on the health of their children and themselves.”
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Summer Meals Program and CAP4Kids
Summer Meals and CAP4Kids: Connecting Families With Community Resources
Student Intern:
Cameron Asay, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Angela Kim, MD, MS, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Preceptor:
Daniel Taylor, DO, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Community Site:
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children has been a leader in pediatric care since 1875. It offers nationally recognized programs and pediatric specialists who provide exceptional care to the greater Philadelphia community. The mission of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is to provide quality services in a caring, progressive environment. Following that mission, St. Christopher’s partners with Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. NDS has served the community’s food needs for over 45 years, partnering with both Catholic and non-Catholic programs to provide millions of meals each year to combat hunger in the community.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern focused on two main tasks: distributing meals through the Summer Meals Program and ensuring the quality of the CAP4Kids Philadelphia website. The Summer Meals Program distributes healthy lunches to children and teenagers to address the food insecurity many families face when school lunches are unavailable in the summer. Each day 150 fresh meals were provided by Nutritional Development Services (NDS) and distributed on the premises of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. CAP4Kids Philadelphia is an online repository of free and low-cost community resources that address various social determinants of health in the greater Philadelphia area. The intern worked with Dr. Daniel Taylor, the website creator, to update and improve CAP4Kids.org so that it can be reliably used by both health providers and families in the community. Efforts included contacting community organizations to verify contact information and creating QR codes and handouts to make these essential resources more easily accessible.
Reflections:
Cameron Asay: “Spending my summer as a Bridging the Gaps intern at St. Christopher’s Hospital was a wonderful experience. Offering free, nutritious meals at the entrance of the hospital gave me the opportunity to speak with patients and their families and form connections with the North Philadelphia community. Through these friendly conversations I saw the essential role human connection plays in healthcare, and I will certainly value this type of connection as a future physician. Additionally, working on the CAP4Kids website taught me that individuals’ overall health is largely determined by social factors, and provided insight into what I can do as a physician to address this issue. I learned that addressing the social determinants of health requires becoming aware of community organizations and collaborating with these organizations to meet patients’ needs. I look forward to providing patients and their families with these vital resources. After all, preventing disease by connecting patients with affordable housing, fresh food, education, and recreation is much more effective than simply managing disease as it comes.”
Sunrise of Philadelphia Summer Camp
Seven Weeks of Summer Day Camp for the Children of Philadelphia
Student Interns:
Jessica Lu, Drexel University College of Medicine
Kelly Minard, Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Tariem Burroughs, PhD, MSEd, MSODL, Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health
Community Preceptors:
Shania Boone, Sunrise of Philadelphia
Morgyn Yates, Sunrise of Philadelphia
Community Site:
Located in University City (and throughout Philadelphia), Sunrise of Philadelphia serves the underserved families of Philadelphia. Sunrise offers a totally free summer camp program, providing instrumental resources for children in the area. The program also provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the children and takes them on weekly field trips outside the city.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked as group leaders for the Sunrise Summer Camp at the Science Leadership Academy and Powel elementary school sites. Along with employed community members, BTG interns led fun and enriching activities for their elementary school-aged group. Sunrise employees and BTG interns facilitated breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and two to three activities in categories such as arts and crafts, STEM, literacy, and movement. They also helped facilitate field trips outside the city, including to water and theme parks and to enriching museums. Working with the same children each day allowed the BTG interns to develop strong, supportive relationships.
Reflections:
Jessica Lu and Kelly Minard: “The BTG CHIP experience at Sunrise of Philadelphia allowed us to deeply immerse ourselves in the University City/West Philadelphia community. We had the opportunity to work directly with the children attending the summer camp and build meaningful, trusting relationships. Our supervisor mentioned that her goals for the summer environment were to (1) let the kids have fun and (2) emphasize the ‘psychological importance of having adults who care about you outside of your relatives, creating that special relationship.’ We achieved both goals, as evidenced by the children expressing that they missed us during the week we were away from camp. Like our future patients, children often just want someone to listen to and build connections with them. Spending time with the children and learning about their personal lives, passions, and carefree nature reminded us of the populations we want to care for in our future careers. The academic rigors and competitiveness can sometimes obscure our initial motivations for becoming doctors. Although the community these children are born into may not offer all the resources they need to succeed, they possess the potential to achieve as much as those with more resources. It was heartwarming to see the children having fun, being themselves, and truly enjoying the moment—something we often neglect during our academic studies.”
To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc.
To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc., Summer Achievers Internship Program
Student Interns:
Etienne McEnroe, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Amarriah Valentine, MS, Temple University, School of Podiatric Medicine
Academic Preceptors:
Ingrid Mapanao, MSW, MPH, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Brian Work, MD, MPH, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Jerome Wright, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Community Preceptor:
Charmaine Sudler-Milligan, Director of Services, To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc.
Communty Site:
To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc. (TOCFWH), is a community-based nonprofit that serves the Nicetown-Tioga area of Philadelphia by providing educational enrichment and community health resources and services. The Summer Achievement program operates from the Mary McLeod Bethune School to work on academic enrichment, entrepreneurship, and early STEM career exposure for students from first through seventh grade.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked with To Our Children’s Future With Health to create an exciting summer camp experience for first- through seventh-grade students. They worked with Philadelphia School District teachers to assist in academic enrichment and taught summer scholars about cardiovascular health, smoking cessation, and oral/foot health. They created resources about the importance of active lifestyles, oral health, vaping cessation, and young women’s hygiene, and provided STEM exposure using the Franklin Institute GSK Science in the Summer Program and Summer Business initiative.
Reflections:
Etienne McEnroe: “My time in the North Philly community improved my understanding of the role that community engagement and cultural competence can play in effective healthcare delivery. The relationships I cultivated this summer with students and community members have enriched my understanding of the complexities of health and education in underserved areas. Engaging students in discussions about health and seeing their initial disengagement transform into curiosity and participation highlighted the potential for impactful health education. This experience reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career that not only addresses individual health needs but also contributes to broader community well-being.”
Amarriah Valentine: “BTG CHIP has provided me with valuable experience outside of the classroom. By working with TOCFWH, I saw the North Philadelphia community more intimately. My experience with the North Philadelphia community has shown me that many of the problems that the community faces are more complex and take time to resolve. I learned that North Philadelphia has many intentional resources for its community. I learned that it is important to understand that individuals and families do not want to leave their community to have a better life, but they want their communities to get the appropriate allocation of resources so they can live a healthy and fulfilling life. My experiences with BTG will help me become a more empathetic and resourceful podiatric physician in the future.”
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Wyss Wellness Center
Advocating for Healthcare Access in Immigrant and Refugee Populations
Student Intern:
Joyce Zhang, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Academic Preceptor:
Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Community Preceptor:
Jenna Gosnay, MSW, LSW, Wyss Wellness Center
Community Site:
The Hansjörg Wyss Wellness Center is a primary care practice in South Philadelphia that primarily serves immigrant and refugee patients. Most patients have limited English proficiency, with a majority speaking languages such as Rohingya, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, and many more. The patient population also faces challenges navigating the healthcare system and affording the cost of healthcare. To work toward improving community wellness, the Hansjörg Wyss Wellness Center provides clinical and social support services to patients. The center also works closely with SEAMAAC, a community organization, to facilitate community outreach.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student intern assisted patients with limited English proficiency in scheduling appointments for follow-up evaluations with various specialists throughout the city. The intern also connected patients to healthcare and social service resources in Philadelphia and updated a resource guide created by previous interns with links to Philadelphia organizations. The intern assisted clinicians with patient education on topics such as setting diabetic nutrition goals, monitoring blood pressure at home with blood pressure cuffs provided by the clinic, and using navigation apps. Wyss also holds weekly food pantry distributions, for which the intern created produce guides in various languages to help community members better understand what foods they were bringing home and give them some simple recipes to try. The intern also partnered with SEAMAAC to create and organize weekly heart-healthy tips for Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, and Indonesian elders in the community.
Reflections:
Joyce Zhang: “My experience at Wyss was incredibly impactful, and I am so grateful for the time that I was able to spend here. It was so rewarding to connect with both refugee and undocumented patients to help them navigate the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and provide aid in obtaining access to various social resources available in Philadelphia. I was inspired by the team at Wyss and their ability to navigate the unique cultural and language barriers of their patients. It was easy to see that patients felt comfortable and safe receiving care at Wyss, and they knew that the team here would do everything they could to assist them. The diverse patient backgrounds encountered at Wyss have opened my eyes to everyone’s unique experiences, which really enforced that care really is personal to one’s unique background. I was especially inspired while speaking to a patient for my storytelling project. This undocumented immigrant shared his journey navigating life in the U.S. and all the challenges he faced along the way, including losing his family members to the violence in his home country and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the ongoing tragedies and the challenges that come with being an undocumented immigrant, he perseveres with a positive outlook on life. Listening to many stories, like this patient’s, throughout my time working at Wyss has helped me better understand barriers to care and continue to think of ways that I can help patients receive equitable healthcare as I progress in my career.”
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Youth Emergency Service (YES) at HopePHL
Coordinating & Executing the Youth Stars Summer Camp at YES
Student Interns:
Julia Durugo, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Kayla Kirton, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Academic Preceptor:
Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Community Preceptors:
Joy Woods Jones, LSW, Youth Emergency Service
La Shonna Polite, MEd, Youth Emergency Service
Community Site:
Youth Emergency Service (YES) at HopePHL, a National Safe Place site, offers several emergency services to assist youth aged 9 to 17 who are housing insecure or who face a risk of child abuse or neglect. Youth Emergency Shelter provides boys and girls aged 12 to 17 with a safe alternative to the street and potentially abusive home environments. The Basic Center Runaway/Homeless Youth Program addresses the immediate crisis needs of youth aged 12 to 17 who are not in the child welfare system. Family Reunification at HopePHL promotes timely family reunification for youth aged 9 to 17 entering out-of-home placement for the first time.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked closely with the youth at Youth Emergency Service at HopePHL to organize a summer camp. The interns created educational in-house programs and planned many trips around the city. They participated in the Wawa Welcome America events, took the youth bowling and to a farm, and talked about oral health and the effects of smoking marijuana. Overall, it was a fun-filled summer program that provided enrichment while keeping the youth engaged and occupied during the day.
Reflections:
Julia Durugo: “Working at the Youth Emergency Service this summer has been a tremendous honor. Being accepted into the youths’ homes and lives has allowed me to build meaningful connections with them. It’s been incredibly rewarding to give back to the community that has already taught me so much in just one year of being here. Meeting our local leaders and gaining their insights has been enlightening. They wear so many hats when it comes to providing the best they can for the kids, and it inspires me to do more. This experience has deepened my empathy and understanding by allowing me to appreciate the hardships and complexities these kids face every day. It has truly taught me the value of meeting people where they are, and I know I will take these lifelong skills and experiences beyond YES and into my future career.”
Kayla Kirton: “I had so much fun engaging with the youth at YES during our summer enrichment program. My biggest takeaway was what I learned about human behavior—our past history and trauma manifest themselves in our words and actions and inform who we are as people. It is vital to take the time to understand each other and build relationships before passing judgment in order to see a whole person for who they are, collaborate as a team, and make the best decisions. Most importantly, the key to achieving this is by building mutual trust.”