Alexandra Kanat
Educational Background: Graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a major in Human Biology. Banana slugs!
Philadelphia Health Corps Role: Patient Assistance Program Advocate at Philadelphia Department of Public Health – Health Center 9
Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps? I joined AmeriCorps because I felt incredibly passionate about serving at a long term service project. I also wanted to be involved in health care and to learn more about the challenges that patients in our system face. When I learned that the NHC is an organization geared towards increasing the quality and access of care for patients in high need communities, I decided this would be a great opportunity to be immersed in a new place while assisting patients in the community. Further, I wanted to be surrounded by other young individuals with a similar mentality and eagerness to share and learn.
Where do you want to be in five years? What do you want to be doing?: My five year plan changes from day to day. I ultimately want to go into medicine, but I am also intrigued in alternative forms of medicine and healing practices. I would love to be able to learn more body work to use in my future practice. I also envision myself living in Latin America and studying different birthing practices. I also want to do a cross-country bike tour. Not sure if this will all fit in five years...
How would you describe the Philadelphia Health Corps? PHC is a professional, warm and supportive organization. PHC is devoted to increasing the access to care, whether in be in education, insurance, or through obtaining free medications, for the patients in Philadelphia. As a newer Americorps organization, and one of the only health-related organizations in Philly, PHC has been expanding its connections with others around the community. I believe that this Americorps program has extreme potential in the field of health in the years to come and will continue to grow. Lastly, and VERY importantly, the members and supervisors are incredibly enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and well-rounded. Joining this organization as a transplant to Philadelphia has definitely given me structure and grounding.
What is your favorite part of Philadelphia? My favorite part of Philadelphia is discovering the diversity that each neighborhood holds. Along with that, I love finding the green places that are embedded in the city, such as Liberty Lands in Northern Liberties. Further, the public art scene is insane... it follows you wherever you go! I want to stumble upon more of it.