Oasis of Opportunity
Cameron
Experience Information
Employer: Oasis of Hope Center
Job Title: Intern
Major: Health Professions
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Oasis of Hope Center is a Christian, health center that works to serve the needs of the NW Grand Rapids Community. Oasis of Hope provides 100% free medical care thanks to many volunteer health care providers and students and gracious donations from community members. Other services include: acupuncture, spiritual care counseling, alcohol abuse counseling, psychological specialists, nutrition education, dermatology, and others based on available resources and volunteers at that time.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Through my time at Oasis I had the opportunity to shadow many medical practitioners (PA, MD, DO, and NP), observe/participate in the administration side of healthcare, assist in writing stories for donors, advertise medical services, update medical records, and assist patients acquire prescription assistance, among others.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Although there were many tips/tricks that I acquired about providing quality patient care as a medical practitioner, the most surprising thing I learned was how to assist a medically underserved population. Oasis does not receive payment for medical services. So grant writing, fundraising, acquiring donations (of medications, supplies, ect), and working together with community partners proved to be very important in making this center operate.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Seeing the look on the face of a patient/their family after you assist them in bettering their life and they realize that they don't have to pay anything for it. I have witnessed many tears be shed.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
My time at Oasis of Hope will positively influence many aspects of my health care career moving forward. I have learned many important aspects about how to specifically provide health care to medically underserved populations, how treat an entire patient (medically/physically, spiritually/psychologically) instead of a set of symptoms, and how important it is to be part of a community that works together for the betterment of their citizens. Although I know of plenty of things that will benefit my career goals, I have no doubts that a multitude more will be revealed to me as I continue on in practice.