side by side

One of the reasons Keith and I chose the Physician's Assistant program at Quinnipiac University is their dedication and committment to serving the community. When we came to interview a year ago, we knew the bare basics...reputation, ranking, board exam passing rate, and location. During the interview process, the program was fleshed out before our eyes by current students and faculty. They worked just as hard to sell the program as Keith did to prove himself worthy and qualified to be a part of it. Upon leaving, a mere 24 hours later, we both felt it was a match for us in so many ways.

Each student is required to do 40 hours of community service. At first, that sounded like a lot. Keith is in class so many hours of every day, that the rest of his time must be dedicated to studying (and honey-loving his wife too!). However, we quickly learned that completing 40 hours of community service will take him no time at all. They have a host of things to choose from...feeding and clothing the homeless on a regular basis, community Health Fairs, literacy programs created by the President of his program, etc.


Last weekend, we had the privilege to work side by side for 8 hours on Saturday. Keith, wielding is masterful blood pressure taking, blood drawing skills...I, wielding my newly acquired medical interpreting skills. We, along with about 10 other PA students, were partnering with KEEP, Kidney Early Evaluation Program. This is one of the many regular opportunities Keith and his fellow students have to serve and practice what they have learned. They offer free blood/urine/glucose/kidney screenings to almost anyone that shows up and is elegible. Before the people are able to participate, they must fill out a 6 page health and family history form. This is where I came in because the forms were in English...and about 90% of the people screened spoke Spanish as their first language.



It was a very eye opening experience. Of all the people I helped, only one had medical insurance. That same lady was also the only one who could provide a doctor's name that she visits regularly. Most of the participants had no social security number and had not been to see a doctor in 2-4 years. I'm not sure what I think about Health Care or what would be the best for our country. Having lived in a country that has Social Medicine, I have been exposed to the pros and cons of that system. I can also recognize that our system here in the U.S. has pros and cons too. Working in a hospital environment has given me new a perspective as well. I am not a political person, up on the latest proposals and issues. Perhaps I should be. All I know, is that there are a lot of people out there in need of care and it really felt great to help reach some those people.