BTG Hope

"The BTG Program provides needed resources to the many thousands of community-based organizations that are working to create a more socially just and compassionate world. Because of their support, many nonprofits are able to reach and enrich the lives of many more people."

BTG Community Preceptor

Philadelphia Consortium Projects

Community Health

Access to Public Health Services for Philadelphians with Limited English Skills

Student Intern(s):
Mimi Mak, Drexel University College of Medicine
David Shih, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing and The Wharton School

Academic Preceptor(s):
Stephen F. Gambescia, PhD, MEd, MBA, CHES, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Ann L. O'Sullivan, PhD, FAAN, CPNP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Community Preceptor(s):
Carol Rogers, PA-C, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Health Commissioner’s Office

The Community Site:
The Health Commissioner’s Office (HCO) in Center City is the hub of all Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) activities. The office provides leadership and sets policy for each of its divisions. The goals of the HCO include achieving decent health care for all Philadelphians and seeking to make city services accessible to all Philadelphians, including those with a limited grasp of English. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Environmental Quality
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Environmental Health; Health Communication; Public Health Infrastructure

The Project:
David and Mimi worked at the Health Commissioner’s Office (HCO) to further the city’s policy to make the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) services accessible to Philadelphians with limited English skills. The interns created a survey to assess the needs of each PDPH division to better provide language accessibility services to overcome problems resulting from language barriers. David and Mimi utilized the survey and interviewed language liaisons from each division, as well as representatives from individual health centers. At the end of their summer experience, the Language Access Policy Initiative team was able to report on the current status of the PDPH divisions and their language needs in order to better ensure equal health-care to all Philadelphians. David stated, “When I first thought of doing community health work as a summer endeavor, I never would have guessed that I might end up at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and much less that I would be working on policy initiatives. Through my time here, I have had the privilege to observe how, as civil servants with health professional backgrounds, we cannot only provide quality care, but more importantly, we can help enable local residents to have a better quality of life.” Mimi commented, “This summer was an eye-opening experience to how the Philadelphia city government operates, especially in providing equal access to health care. It allowed me to understand the challenges and difficulties of a person with limited English skills in accessing city services.”

Integrating Education into Food Safety

Student Intern(s):
Daniel Ostermayer, Drexel University College of Medicine
Megan Leeds, Temple University, School of Pharmacy
Emily Rupp, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Dana Welde, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions, Department of Nursing

Academic Preceptor(s):
Dianne Butera, MSW, Temple University, School of Medicine
Stephen F. Gambescia, PhD, MEd, MBA, CHES, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College
Kathryn Margo, MD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Carol Rogers, PA-C, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Health Commissioner’s Office

The Community Site:
Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) Office of Food Protection is centrally located in the Medical Examiner's Office with branch offices located in the surrounding health districts. The Office of Food Protection assures a safe city environment for its estimated 1.5 million residents and five to seven million commuters and visitors who eat within the city limits each day. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Environmental Quality; Overweight and Obesity; Tobacco Use
Focus Areas: Environmental Health; Food Safety; Health Communication; Occupational Safety and Health; Public Health Infrastructure

The Project:
Megan, Daniel, Dana and Emily worked within the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) to provide a foundation for an educational curriculum for future health professional students working with sanitarians in food safety. The interns accompanied sanitarians throughout the city, within the various health districts, to gain a better understanding of public health as it relates to food safety. Sanitarians use education, regulation and monitoring of the food supply to reduce disease and improve the health of Philadelphians. During the internship, students prepared a program review for the Health Commissioner's office that will better ensure a successful learning experience for health professional students and improve the education of food establishment owners. Megan commented, “Bridging the Gaps opened my eyes to the inequalities of health access—that those who need it the most sometimes have the fewest resources.” Dana discovered “the lack of public unawareness of the importance of hand washing.” She said, “I have learned of its extensive impact on public health, and as a prospective nurse, I will educate my patients that proper hand washing can save lives.” Emily reflected, “My experience with BTG has reminded me that social factors such as language access, economic status and safe environments are integral to the health of the community. I hope to apply this broader perspective on medicine when caring for future patients as a physician.” Daniel stated, “I have witnessed language access and economic status providing significant barriers to health … this experience has fostered my passion to work for equitable health care within an urban environment."

Research on Bullying Interventions in Community and Health Settings

Student Intern(s):
James Robinson, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice
Michael Russo, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Brendan Carr, MD, MA, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Jeffery Draine, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice
Douglas Weibe, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Pat Harner, Philadelphia Physicians for Social Responsibility
Bill King, MD, FAACP, Philadelphia Physicians for Social Responsibility
Dan Taylor, DO, FAACP, Philadelphia Physicians for Social Responsibility

The Community Site:
Physicians for Social Responsibility mobilizes individuals, health professionals and community organizations to promote local and global nonviolence, a healthy environment and access to health care for all. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Injury and Violence; Mental Health
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Injury and Violence Prevention; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Public Health Infrastructure

The Project:
Mike and Jim worked with Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) to explore appropriate means to address youth bullying and peer victimization. The interns did a literature search to identify the existing research on youth bullying and peer victimization. The purpose of the search was to develop recommendations for physicians about how to engage child patients and parents in discussions about bullying. As part of this process, the interns participated in bullying awareness programs with youth at a summer camp, observed physicians and residents at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, met with professionals who work in the field of bullying prevention and youth violence, and initiated opportunities for PSR to engage in bullying awareness at a local district health center. Jim said, “The opportunity to work with such a diverse interdisciplinary team made up of individuals with a wealth of expertise and experience has been invaluable … Our work has allowed me to conceptualize the phenomena of bullying as a vastly widespread and critical issue in the lives of youth, and our work will ideally help advance prevention efforts. Mike stated, “The interdisciplinary approach that bullying requires has been perfect for this program and has allowed me to interact with people in multiple fields. Most importantly, I've been exposed to the different frameworks of each of these fields.”

Power 2 the Paintbrush! Artistic Tools for Community Health Leadership

Student Intern(s):
Robert Fleming, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law
Elizabeth Malsin, Drexel University College of Medicine
Amber Sterling, Drexel University, School of Public Health
Olivia Wang, Drexel University College of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Rashida T. West, JD, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law

Community Preceptor(s):
Tracy Broyles, Spiral Q Puppet Theatre

The Community Site:
The Spiral Q Puppet Theatre was founded on the principle of free expression, the goal of balanced living, and the promise of a safe space to share, learn and discover. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Injury and Violence; Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Maternal, Infant and Child Health; Nutrition and Overweight; Physical Activity and Fitness

The Project:
The Bridging the Gaps interns were split into three teams: Parade Summer Camp, Outreach and Justice Works. Amber and Elizabeth assisted with Spiral Q’s Parade Summer camp, an artistic workshop guided by Spiral Q’s founding values. By using hands-on artistic techniques, they worked with the children to discover the importance of regular physical activity, proper diet, and inter- and intracommunity cooperation. Olivia headed the Community Outreach program, which brought Spiral Q’s unique blend of activism and art to a variety of neighborhoods. Skits, giant puppets and other dramatic presentations were blended with positive, healthy lessons for the children of the communities she visited. Robert analyzed Spiral Q’s activism resource, the Justice Works program, by examining the cultural impacts of past events and surveying activist constituents. He used this information to construct a list of informational needs in the activist community, and created a guide to address them. Robert stated, “Expanding activism in all its forms has always been a core drive in my private life … At Spiral Q’s Justice Works, I’ve heard, firsthand, the insightful and often surprising comments and concerns of local activists who successfully used Spiral Q to hone their message.” Elizabeth noted, “The internship challenged me to stretch my mind to find ways to learn and gain from many of the experiences I was offered, a very worthwhile mental exercise.” Amber reported, “These projects allowed for self-expression, while at the same time facilitated learning skills such as teamwork and multitasking for each individual camper; all adding to the overall long-term health of each individual camp participant.” Olivia said, “I learned about the effectiveness of creative arts and puppetry in promoting awareness about social issues and activism to children.”

Advocate for Our Youth

Student Intern(s):
Laila Dantas, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Janet Light, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice

Academic Preceptor(s):
Jeffrey Draine, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice
Joan I. Gluch, PhD, RDH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Colleen McCauley-Brown, MPH, RN, BSN, Public Citizens for Children and Youth

The Community Site:
Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) works to improve the lives and life chances of southeastern Pennsylvania’s children through thoughtful and informed advocacy designed to ensure that children are safe, stimulated, well cared for and healthy. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Mental Health; Responsible Sexual Behavior
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Maternal, Infant and Child Health; Public Health Infrastructure; Vision and Hearing

The Project:
Laila and Janet assisted Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) with various health and education advocacy projects for youth in Philadelphia and surrounding communities. Laila spearheaded the creation of a vision care resource guide that includes references to vision care providers in Philadelphia and provides answers to frequently asked vision care questions. Laila also assisted in creating a portfolio highlighting the schools involved in the 2008 Picasso Project, a PCCY sponsored program that increases art opportunities in Philadelphia public schools. Janet created a report for Project U-Turn’s pregnant and parenting subcommittee, specifically looking at education program models that serve pregnant and parenting teens throughout the country. Janet also assisted in updating PCCY’s behavioral health resource information for the Child Health Watch Helpline. In addition, the interns attended several collaborative meetings that addressed the issue of out-of-school youth, shared their research findings with community stakeholders, attended an introductory health advocacy lecture and visited the new site for the Please Touch Museum. Janet stated, “Although I was aware of the link between individual and community practice through my academic work, my experience at PCCY has solidified my understanding of this connection and grounded it in reality.” Laila said, “I have come to realize the challenges faced by patients with Medical Assistance and the providers accepting it.”

Lessons of Community Outreach

Student Intern(s):
Nicholas Bertoni, Drexel University College of Medicine
Ashley Morgan Hammer, Drexel University College of Medicine
Nicole Jenkins, Drexel University, School of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy

Academic Preceptor(s):
Priscilla Killian, MSN, RN, PNP, Drexel University, School of Nursing and Health Professions

Community Preceptor(s):
Glenna Deekle, MSW, KidZone Philadelphia

The Community Site:
KidZone Philadelphia, located in Northwest Philadelphia, supports children, youth and families in making positive transitions through each stage of development. KidZone works to recognize, appreciate and strengthen each child’s chance to achieve the future of his or her choice. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Maternal, Infant and Child Health

The Project:
Nick, Morgan, and Nicole worked with KidZone, Health Federation of Philadelphia (HFP) and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project to develop parent education materials related to developmental screening. The interns planned three workshops to engage parents in a discussion about their children’s development. They also offered developmental screenings at the workshops. At HFP, the interns first researched community assets, and then went out into the community to hand out materials. Nicole said, “This summer internship has opened my eyes to the immense possibilities of the future. The Wednesday core events helped to reshape my opinions of today’s health-care professions.” Morgan noted, “This experience has helped me to gain a lot of insight into the process of community outreach.” Nick reflected, “BTG proved to be an excellent learning experience for me. I gained a greater sense of the inner workings of the communities of Philadelphia which will aid me in my future endeavors as a physician.”

Philadelphia FIGHT: Bringing New Perspectives to the Treatment of a Local HIV+ Population

Student Intern(s):
Abel Bumgarner, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College
Joseph Maly, Temple University, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Trisha Acri, MD, Temple University, School of Medicine
Nancy E. Brisbon, MD, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical School

Community Preceptor(s):
Terry Trudeau, Philadelphia FIGHT, Jonathan Lax Clinic

The Community Site:
Philadelphia FIGHT is a comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, patient education, counseling, case management and advocacy. The Jonathan Lax Clinic is designed to provide comprehensive primary care for people living with HIV. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Responsible Sexual Behavior; Mental Health; Access to Health Care
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Environmental Health; HIV; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Project:
Abel and Joe revised and implemented the annual LAX Center Health Survey at Philadelphia FIGHT. The interns collected data on 125 patients regarding demographics, patient satisfaction, ideas for new services, pharmacological histories, adherence to drug regimen and mental health screenings. The survey data will be used not only to gain funding for existing services at Philadelphia FIGHT, but also to alter or add services to better meet client needs. As an adjunct project, the interns first used demographic data on LAX Center patients to map patient distribution in the Philadelphia area. In addition, the interns mapped existing HIV support services, as documented in the 2008 Greater Philadelphia FIGHT AIDS Resource Guide. The intention of these projects was to give a more global perspective to HIV patient services in the city as they relate to the distribution of the patient population. Potentially, the map information could be used by future interns to more effectively respond to outreach needs in high-incidence neighborhoods, utilizing existing HIV service sites local to those communities. Abel commented, “In learning about Philadelphia FIGHT and all the great work being done to serve the HIV patient population, it has been a fulfilling seven weeks to discover where needs were in the organization and implement projects to meet those needs.” Joe noted, “It has been energizing to creatively find ways to enhance the existing services which Philadelphia FIGHT provides.”

FIGHTing HIV Through Education and Empowerment

Student Intern(s):
Emily Duffy, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Stefanie Rubin, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice

Academic Preceptor(s):
Jeffrey Draine, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice
Peter F. Cronholm, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Hannah Zellman, MSW, Philadelphia FIGHT, Prison Services

The Community Site:
Philadelphia FIGHT is a comprehensive AIDS service organization providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy, prevention, education, and information services. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Food Safety; HIV; Nutrition and Overweight; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Project:
Stefanie and Emily, working with the Prison Services staff, developed a nutrition curriculum for the current Project TEACH outside class (Treatment Education Activists Combating HIV). This program is an education program offered to individuals with HIV who have been recently incarcerated or who have a history of incarceration. The interns were involved in all components of the curriculum. They interviewed potential students, and did extensive research on the intersection of healthy diet, exercise, food safety and HIV/AIDS. Other topics in the curriculum included reading food labels, healthy food shopping, how to make good decisions when eating out, how to eat healthfully on a budget and if you do not have access to a kitchen, and other practical and applicable topics. Stefanie noted, “My time at FIGHT has exposed me to the significance of advocacy and activism, which is particularly integral in regards to the empowerment of clients through self-advocacy.” Emily commented, “In addition to learning about the extent of the epidemic and the progress that has been made by activists in addressing the needs of those infected and affected by HIV, I was also exposed to the more human sufferings and triumphs related to the disease … My coworkers and the clients at FIGHT have painted a human portrait of HIV that I didn't have before and would not have been able to understand on my own.”

A Dichotomic Approach to HIV Prevention in Philadelphia

Student Intern(s):
Regina Bromley, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Nursing
Leah Harner-Kerlavage, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice

Academic Preceptor(s):
Dianne Butera, MSW, Temple University, School of Medicine
Jeffery Draine, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice

Community Preceptor(s):
Annet Davis-Vogel, RN, MSW, CCRC, University of Pennsylvania Clinical Trials Unit, HIV Prevention Research Division

The Community Site:
The HIV Prevention Research Division conducts prevention intervention and clinical trial research projects in the Philadelphia area with people who are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Injury and Violence; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; HIV; Immunization and Infectious Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Substance Abuse

The Project:
While working with the HIV Prevention Research Division, Regina and Leah developed a harm reduction curriculum to be used by Prevention Point Philadelphia’s staff at their Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) sites. The interns volunteered at the SEP sites and assisted with the preparation and distribution of harm reduction kits and condoms. The interns also engaged exchangers in conversations pertaining to supply, medical and treatment needs. In another project, with the goal of creating a comprehensive list of services, Regina and Leah conducted information interviews with various community-based organizations in Southwest Philadelphia, including Neighbors United Against Drugs, Southwest Community Services, Outley House, The Woman’s Institute for Family Health, and The Health Annex. This project also enabled the interns to not only identify services, but also list the gaps in services. Regina commented, “I was able to experience firsthand how the health of a particular community—in many ways—determines its vitality. This summer’s BTG internship has been an invaluable opportunity that has led to my enriched understanding of a community and its individuals, as I discovered ways to identify with people on a human level when no other similarity seemed to exist.” Leah reflected, “The opportunity to work as a part of an interdisciplinary team on an issue of interest from a different and unique angle has been a great learning experience.”

Matching the Outside with the Inside: Healthy Transgender Medical Care

Student Intern(s):
Lauren Goldlust, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College
Amy Hostetter, Bryn Mawr College, Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

Academic Preceptor(s):
Robert Winn, MD, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College

Community Preceptor(s):
Rita Genovese, CPC, PCS, Mazzoni Center, Community Health Center

The Community Site:
The Mazzoni Family and Community Medicine Center, located in Center City Philadelphia, provides compassionate, comprehensive primary health-care services focusing on the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Responsible Sexual Behavior; Mental Health
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; HIV; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Project:
Amy and Lauren assisted the Mazzoni Center staff in improving and standardizing the care provided to transgender patients at the Community Health Clinic. After surveying the staff and performing extensive research, the interns identified the need for more comprehensive pretreatment evaluation and counseling for patients desiring gender transition. The interns formulated a well-defined protocol for transgender care and developed a transgender resource guide and an FAQ for patients considering hormone therapy. Amy noted, “As a social worker I was interested to discover what role I could have in a medical, clinical environment. What I could contribute to patient care, I discovered, was that I could offer patients the opportunity to speak about themselves and issues on a non-medical level, during their medical visit.” Lauren commented, “My summer at the Mazzoni Center has given me the opportunity to address the needs of a specific community, while exploring the inner workings of a medical clinic.”

Cobb’s Creek Summer Health Awareness

Student Intern(s):
Caitlin Hanrahan, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing
Mark Sheng, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Joan I. Gluch, PhD, RDH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Ann L. O’Sullivan, PhD, FAAN, CPNP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Community Preceptor(s):
Geraldine O’Hare, MSN, CRNP, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Primary Care Center at Cobb’s Creek

The Community Site:
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Primary Care Center at Cobb’s Creek emphasizes preventing disease, treating illness, and providing information, education, and social support to patients and their families. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Overweight and Obesity; Responsible Sexual Behavior
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Family Planning; Nutrition and Overweight; Oral Health; Physical Activity and Fitness

The Project:
Mark and Caitlin worked with the Cobb’s Creek community to identify needs at the center. The interns chose three main focus areas. Together, they worked to present an interactive educational program about oral health, nutrition and physical fitness to the patients in the waiting room. Mark worked on a comprehensive dental clinic resource guide that addressed the oral health needs of children and the disabled. Caitlin focused on sexual health, working with various providers, nurses and social workers to set up a pilot sexual health workshop that she hoped would lead to monthly workshops and a consistent partnership with community organizations and schools in the area. She also collaborated with a nurse extern to create a comprehensive resource booklet outlining pregnancy options. Mark noted, “Through this experience, I gained insight on everyday people’s life in West Philadelphia.” Caitlin reflected, “I have been challenged in ways I never expected and I’m leaving with the feeling that I was able to make a difference. I have learned so much and I am really grateful to all who helped make this experience a good one.”

Guests in a Dental Home

Student Intern(s):
Dylan Bordonaro, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Zane Haider, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Joan I. Gluch, PhD, RDH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Frank Torrisi, DDS, MBA, Family Practice and Counseling Network, Dental Clinic, 11th Street Family Health Services

The Community Site:
The Dental Clinic at 11th Street Family Health Services of Drexel University, affiliated with the Family Practice and Counseling Network, provides comprehensive dental services on a sliding scale for families from all socioeconomic backgrounds. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Overweight and Obesity; Tobacco Use
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Educational and Community-Based programs; Nutrition and Overweight; Oral Health; Public Health Infrastructure

The Project:
Dylan and Zane started their community outreach by establishing a relationship with the neighboring John F. Street Community Center. They designed and implemented an oral health education program for the youth attending the center’s summer camp. The interns also interviewed patients in the dental clinic waiting room, using a preestablished patient satisfaction survey. Dylan and Zane also produced a documentary film on oral health awareness by interviewing various health professionals and community leaders. The film will be played in the waiting room to encourage patients to consider oral health issues. In addition, Dylan participated in the Health Annex’s Community Fair and assisted the clinic staff in their oral hygiene education and promotion activities, and Zane visited a neighboring community site, Frankie’s World, to provide oral health education. Dylan stated, “Just as the individuals in a particular community call their area ‘home,’ people need a familiar and comfortable place to go when they are in need of treatment … Bridging the Gaps has taught me that in order to truly connect with members of the community to provide a quality health-care home, you must establish a strong connection with all other institutions of health in the community.” Zane noted, “My understanding of the concept of community was drastically altered this summer … In developing a community health practice, the possibilities are endless, and satisfaction lies in the miniscule events that add life and health to the community as a whole.”

Strangers in a Strange Land: Walking Through the Jungle of Health Care

Student Intern(s):
Joshua Okon, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College
Samira Ali, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College

Academic Preceptor(s):
Maria Hervada-Page, MSS, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College

Community Preceptor(s):
Juliane Ramic, MSW, Nationalities Service Center

The Community Site:
Nationalities Service Center (NSC), located in Center City, provides an array of resettlement services including housing, health care, and employment for immigrants and refugees in the Philadelphia area. Nationalities Service Center’s health clinic is a partnership with Jefferson University’s Family Medicine Department. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Immunization; Mental Health
Focus Areas: Access to Health Care; Health Communication; Immunization and Infectious Diseases; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Public Health Infrastructure

The Project:
Josh and Samira worked on many themes under the health-care umbrella with Nationalities Service Center clients. One major project involved developing health orientation pamphlets, a video on how to navigate through an initial hospital health screening, and what to expect when visiting a health-care practitioner in the United States. On a day-to-day basis, the interns worked on providing resources based on to the health needs and insurance status of individual clients. In particular, the interns worked with two medically needy cases: a boy with quadriplegia who was a victim of the Iraq War and a girl with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, who did not receive any medical treatment before coming to the United States. Josh and Samira also worked on a protocol to streamline the initial health screening process, as well as a process for follow-up visits. Samira said the clients taught her “about the power of hope, strength, and resilience.” She continued, “I realized how daunting it is to become a part of a new society and culture without knowing anything about it, let alone try to navigate through its intricacies such as the health-care system.” Josh noted, “I have had a very enlightening, frustrating and educational experience this summer working with refugees … I cannot help but be frustrated with some of the barriers and problems that arise due to lack of funds and language, but I am filled with hope because I now know there are hard-working good people working for those refugees who are unable to advocate for themselves.”

Care and Access at the Chinatown Clinic

Student Intern(s):
Patrick Egan, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law
Wendy Gu, Drexel University College of Medicine
Yu-Heng Guo, Drexel University College of Medicine
Amy Huah, Drexel University College of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Nina Cheung, MD, Hahnemann University Hospital

Community Preceptor(s):
Amy Hirsch, Esq, Community Legal Services
Jean Linehan, RN, MS, CDE, Chinatown Clinic
Vincent Zarro, MD, PhD, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions

The Community Site:
The Newcomers’ Health Project (NHP) includes the Chinatown Clinic of Drexel University College of Medicine as well as Community Legal Services (CLS). The Chinatown Clinic, a volunteer clinic, offers health care for uninsured, underserved people who often face a multitude of language and cultural barriers when seeking medical care. Community Legal Services (CLS) of Philadelphia provides legal assistance to low-income Philadelphians who cannot afford legal counsel. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Immunization; Overweight and Obesity
Focus Areas: Diabetes; Health Communication; Heart Disease and Stroke; Immunization and Infectious Diseases; Public Health Infrastructure

The Project:
Amy and Wendy interviewed patients, provided medical interpretation, and assisted in developing an immigrant women’s health-care clinic at Hahnemann’s OB-GYN office. They also worked on a diabetes treatment project at Pennsylvania Hospital’s Diabetes Education Center. Patrick and Yu-Heng worked with Community Legal Services (CLS) to help patients at the Chinatown Clinic apply for and receive Medicaid and Emergency Medical Assistance. They also observed client intake and followed up with clients regarding medical assistance and health access. In addition, Patrick and Yu-Heng collaborated with CLS to design and conduct a survey of the hospitals and federally qualified health clinics in Philadelphia to determine the extent to which language services are available and how effectively they are utilized. Patrick stated, “It has been an amazing and sometimes disturbing experience to see firsthand how difficult it can be for sick people to access health care in this country. It is made all the more difficult when English is not your first language … It has felt good and reaffirmed my chosen profession to be able to help individuals gain access to the health care they need.” Yu-Heng stated, “The most apparent problem in helping most of our clients is the cultural barrier. This not only includes the language barrier that they must face, but it also includes cultural beliefs that sometimes prevent us from communicating with our clients/patients effectively.” Wendy noted, “Working at the Chinatown Clinic solidified my belief that health care can be vastly improved for immigrant populations when caregivers provide recommendations that take into account cultural factors and is put into an ethnographic context.” Amy said, “I have learned much about diabetes, diabetes nutrition, medication, and complications. But what I found to be the most valuable experience is that I was able to witness the differences and similarities, culturally, and socially, between the Chinatown population and the high-middle-class population.”

Mejorando Mi Familia y Mi Hogar (Improving Our Families and Our Homes)

Student Intern(s):
Jennifer Bailey, Temple University, School of Medicine
Amy Bastianelli, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice
Cody Dashiell-Earp, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
Marc Rabner, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Dianne Butera, MSW, Temple University, School of Medicine
Jeffrey Draine, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice
Steve Larson, MD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Maria Lauren Donohue, MSBT, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, South Philadelphia Hispanic Outreach
Matthew O’Brien, MD, Puentes de Salud

The Community Site:
The South Philadelphia Hispanic Community Outreach Project provides social services, education and spiritual guidance to the South Philadelphia Mexican Community. Puentes de Salud uses a public health model of health promotion, disease prevention and education to build community power and provide direct health services, such as the walk-in free clinic. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Mental Health; Overweight and Obesity
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Services; Cancer; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Nutrition and Overweight

The Project:
Jennifer, Cody and Amy taught English to Spanish-speaking adults, planned and presented workshops addressing health topics relevant to the community, compiled a list of resources available to South Philadelphia Latinos, and participated in various advocacy activities. They also worked with Puentes de Salud to evaluate a cervical cancer prevention program. Marc designed and created a questionnaire that was used to assess the nutritional needs and behaviors of the South Philadelphia Hispanic population. The results will be used to better focus a nutrition education intervention. Jennifer, Cody, Amy and Marc also volunteered at Puentes de Salud every Thursday evening, interpreting, providing advocacy, and assisting the staff as needed. Jennifer reflected, “I am truly aware now what bridging the gaps really means and am so thankful I was given the opportunity to gain a whole new perspective from this program.” Cody commented, “BTG has opened up a whole new world to me … A world that I never would have seen in the context of my medical training, and a world that I will never forget. This experience really has given me a new point of view.” Amy noted, “Coming from the MSW program … I felt as though I had a solid foundation in understanding the importance of the COMMUNITY aspect of community health. Nevertheless, I was humbled daily by the interactions I had this summer in South Philly and cannot overstate how much working with this population has reminded me of how lucky I am to be in this field.” Marc said, “As I started medical school … I thought that all of the knowledge I had gained through my experience doing public health work in Ecuador would be lost and never again reinforced. But this summer BTG and Puentes de Salud have exposed me to and informed me about many of the same problems I witnessed thousands of miles away, right here in our neighborhoods and local communities.”

Welcome to America – The Journey of Refugees and Asylees

Student Intern(s):
Sima Bina, Drexel University College of Medicine
Daniel Goodberry, Drexel University College of Medicine
Maria Martenstyn, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law
Olujimisola Ojediran, Drexel University, School of Public Health

Academic Preceptor(s):
Amy Montemarano, JD, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law

Community Preceptor(s):
Lyn Back, MA, Lutheran Children and Family Service, Refugee Resettlement Program
Victoria Harris, Lutheran Children and Family Service, Refugee Resettlement Program

The Community Site:
The Lutheran Children and Family Service, Refugee Resettlement Program provides housing assistance, health-care access, educational programs, counseling services and a variety of other services to newly arrived refugees. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Immunization; Mental Health
Focus Areas: Diabetes; Heart Disease and Stroke; Nutrition and Weight; Oral Health; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Project:
Sima, Daniel, Maria and Jimi assisted the Refugee Resettlement Program in providing health education, computer training, and immigration services to asylees and refugees. The interns developed lesson plans on diabetes and nutrition, cardiovascular health, HIV and STDs, and personal hygiene and oral health. They also conducted computer training. In addition, they helped clients obtain public health benefits and social services, and assisted in general community orientation. Daniel assisted in the ESL class. Maria and Jimi also worked in the Immigration Office and helped clients with processing their green card applications and travel document paperwork. Sima noted, “I learned a lot and gained a better understanding of the work that the caseworkers do, behind the scenes.” Daniel said,“Immigration and the position of refugees was something entirely new to me at the beginning of this summer … It has been extremely rewarding to me to connect with some of these individuals, and to play a part in this crucial part of their lives.” Maria commented, “As a law student with a concentration in Health Law, I deeply valued the opportunity to work at LCFS and learn more about immigration law and the psychosocial factors that impact health and the delivery of health services to immigrant populations.” Jimi stated,“Helping LCFS clients has given me the chance to see beyond myself and appreciate the experiences of others. I strongly believe that the services provided by LCFS are essential to the community.”

Lessons for Life

Student Intern(s):
Sheila Aseto, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Julia Cheringal, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Katelyn Gray, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Alyson Melin, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Eugene Mochan, PhD, DO, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Suzanne Walker-Garland, Cambria Healthcare Center
Ronald Allen, Cambria Healthcare Center

The Community Site:
Cambria Healthcare Center, located in North Philadelphia, provides health care to community members and health education and promotion activities for organizations within the community.

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Overweight and Obesity; Physical Activity
Focus Areas: Educational and Community-Based Programs; Health Communication; Violence; Nutrition and Overweight; Physical Activity and Fitness

The Project:
At the Cambria Healthcare Center, Alyson, Julia, Katelyn and Sheila developed a Prescription Part D informational pamphlet and a nutrition and exercise seminar. Then, utilizing motivational counseling techniques, they engaged interested patients in discussions on weight and other health-related issues. To address health concerns in the Cambria Healthcare Center’s community, Sheila, Julia, Katelyn and Alyson designed and implemented programs for the teens attending Deliverance Church Summer Camp. Topics included computer skills and programs, resume writing, nutrition, physical fitness, and team-building activities. These programs were conducted in an effort to encourage personal growth and to equip the teens with knowledge and skills needed to make healthy choices. Sheila said, “I really enjoy working at Cambria Healthcare Center. Having the opportunity to talk and get to know the patients was truly a pleasure … utilizing motivational interviewing with the patients was very beneficial for me as a future physician.” Julia mentioned, “My overall purpose for becoming involved with the BTG program was to give back to the Philadelphia community, and this experience has allowed me to feel more connected to that community.” Katelyn noted, “While working with the patient population of Cambria Healthcare Center, I began to replace the textbook definitions of disease like diabetes and heart disease with the faces and life stories of those who deal with these issues on a daily basis.” Alyson stated, “The Cambria Healthcare Center staff’s dedication and commitment to delivering superior health care and to educating the surrounding community is inspiring.”

Identifying the Needs of an Emergent Aging Homeless Population: A Call for Reform

Student Intern(s):
A. Hayley DiGiacinto, Temple University, College of Health Professions, Department of Nursing
Andy Newcomer, Temple University, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Dianne Butera, MSW, Temple University, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Beth Lewis, DSW, Project H.O.M.E., Outreach Coordination Center

The Community Site:
Project H.O.M.E.’s Outreach Coordination Center (OCC) coordinates outreach for individuals living on the streets of Philadelphia. Outreach teams aim to build trusting relationships and establish rapport with people who are homeless, and such relationships may gradually lead to the openness or the acceptance of services. This includes placement in settings appropriate to individual needs where opportunities may be obtained that foster stabilization. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Access to Health Care; Mental Health; Substance Abuse; Physical Activity; Overweight and Obesity; Tobacco Use
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health-Care Services; Public Health Infrastructure; Mental Health and Mental Disorders; Substance Abuse; Tobacco Use; Health Communication; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Heart Disease and Stroke; Oral Health; Nutrition and Overweight; Diabetes; Physical Activity and Fitness

Project Summary: Hayley and Andy worked with the outreach teams. Their project consisted of three components: street outreach efforts, health education workshops and a project focused on the aging of the homeless population. This aging project was the main focus of the interns’ time at Project H.O.M.E. It involved interviews with 15 key informants from shelters, personal care homes, and city agencies, alongside case studies of homeless individuals who were over the age of 50. The goal was to determine how the current system is successfully serving the needs of older homeless individuals and how the system could be improved. Hayley stated, “The seminars presented were quite moving and addressed issues which either I had been exposed to previously and wished to learn more about or issues I had never conceptualized prior. This experience opened my eyes to critical aspects of care when providing services within a community. The interdisciplinary approach allowed me to work on a team and to see the uniqueness of each profession and the importance of working together for optimal outcomes.” Andy commented, “I feel more connected to the city because of BTG. Having spent most of this past year in my med school’s library, the transition onto the streets of Philadelphia has been a transformative one in so many ways. Not only have I gained a deeper sense of respect for homeless persons and for their advocates, but that feeling coincides with a deep belief that we all have a shared responsibility to protect our city’s most vulnerable citizens.”

Community Assessment Project

Student Intern(s):
Liza Green-Golan, Temple University, School of Medicine
Kristin Walsh, Temple University, School of Medicine

Academic Preceptor(s):
Trisha Acri, MD, Temple University, School of Medicine

Community Preceptor(s):
Jennifer Drass,Temple University, Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities

The Community Site:
The mission of the Temple University Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities (CMHHD) is to increase access to quality medical care and support the healthy development of vulnerable and underserved communities. View Community Partner Web Site

Healthy People 2010:
Leading Health Indicators: Environmental Quality; Access to Health Care; Injury and Violence; Immunization; Mental Health
Focus Areas: Access to Quality Health Care; Educational and Community-Based Programs; Environmental Health; Family Planning; Public Health Infrastructure

The Project:
Liza and Kristin assisted the community preceptor in a variety of activities. With consultation from local neighborhood groups, they developed a brochure of maternal and child resources to be distributed to mothers and women who are pregnant and living in North Philadelphia. They also developed a pocket guide for health-care professionals in the Temple University Health-Care System. Additionally, the interns conducted an assessment of community resources in and around Temple University, and with the help of Temple University’s Community and Regional Planning Department, they developed maps to illustrate their findings. At the conclusion of their summer project, Liza and Kristin organized a presentation of their summer project and presented this to the community and university groups. Liza reflected, “I truly believe that learning about other health disciplines should be mandatory for all health professional students. The best health care is delivered in teams, and the best teams should know, on many levels, the members who make up the team.” Kristin noted,“I have a deeper appreciation for the community resources that exist in North Philadelphia … There are so many people who care passionately about the future of North Philadelphia and who are working to bring about positive change.”

"My internship … has affected me deeply. I have learned about the complexities of substance abuse and the struggles women face to remain clean. Working with a student from a discipline other than my own has helped me to view health issues from another perspective."