As I reflect on my year of service with the National Health Corps (NHC), I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to better understand the healthcare needs of the Philadelphia community. Assisting patients at Health Center 6 in obtaining medications and accessing health benefits has been an invaluable introduction to the field of public health. This experience has allowed me to work alongside dedicated healthcare providers and build meaningful connections with members of the community I have recently joined. 

At Health Center 6, my primary responsibilities include collaborating with the healthcare staff to ensure that patients without medical insurance or minimal coverage can access essential prescriptions. While this may seem straightforward, navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical and insurance systems requires significant time and effort. Without the guidance and collaboration of the incredible benefits counselors, clerical staff, and healthcare providers, this process would have been far more challenging. Through this work, I have gained a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health. 

Many of the patients I assist are hardworking individuals who face significant barriers to accessing care. They often lack the time to navigate lengthy phone calls with pharmaceutical companies and may not have the medical training or detailed knowledge of insurance policies needed to address these issues independently. These challenges frequently result in patients requiring multiple appointments to obtain medications that others with adequate insurance can readily access. Witnessing these disparities firsthand has reinforced the importance of addressing systemic barriers to healthcare. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my service has been improving access to care for underserved populations. Through the NHC, I have gained a deeper comprehension of the significant challenges patients from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds face in obtaining healthcare services. With the support of my clinical director, Dr. Hribar, and the rest of the team at Health Center 6, I have been empowered to address these needs directly. 

A key part of my approach has been fostering open communication with patients about their lives and everyday activities. Taking five extra minutes to engage in these conversations has helped me build stronger, more trusting relationships. It has also helped me discover information that enables me to connect patients with services and providers at the clinic, which can improve their quality of life. 

The team at Health Center 6 has been incredibly welcoming and supportive as I learned more about their roles and responsibilities. Their guidance and collaboration have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to improving access to care for the Philadelphia community. This experience has been both humbling and inspiring, and I appreciate the opportunity the NHC has provided to serve in this capacity.