Volunteer Reflections (continued)
“I will always remember the importance of listening and being attentive to patients.”
I participated in health fairs over the course of my year in Baltimore. I was able to learn more about cardiac diseases and ways in which people could make small changes in their lifestyles to result in big positive differences in their overall health. It was so rewarding to then share all that I had learned with people out in the community. My supervisor and I would make sure those at risk would have a health care provider to follow up with, but there were times when a person couldn’t get checked or have their medicine refilled because they didn’t have health insurance. We were sometimes able to refer them to a free local clinic or to connect them to our Cardiology department to speak with one of our clinicians.
It is often hard to see people unaware of health conditions they may have, but I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to let someone know if they are at risk and what step they can take to hopefully get healthy again. The health fairs undoubtedly provide a positive service to the community in which I served. This experience has only heightened my passion towards service and to helping those in need.
~ Nadya, graduate of Kings College, BSVM volunteer 2009-2010
Nadya served in the Cardiology Department at Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital
and she continues to represent the department at community health fairs.
“Despite all of the obstacles in his life, I was thoroughly impressed
by his optimism.”
My most memorable patient, and the one experience I will take with me long after my volunteer year is over, was a man who was homeless. With no medical assistance or health insurance and suffering from uncontrollable diabetes leading to health and vision problems, this patient was in rough shape.
Despite all of the obstacles in his life, I was thoroughly impressed by his optimism. Over the next six months, I assisted him with filling out paperwork to better his situation ─ everything from housing application forms to food stamps to medical assistance. As time passed, his wound healed and his confidence grew.
Last week, he visited me in the physical therapy department. He came not as a patient, but as a man who wanted to thank me for all of the help I had given him. He gave me the best hug I had ever received and thanked me for saving his live. It is a moment that I will never forget.
~ Brittany, graduate of the College of St. Benedict, BSVM volunteer 2006-07.
After serving in the Physical Therapy department at Bon Secours Hospital
Brittany began medical school.
