I was a health intern at the MASS Clinic from 2019-2021. The MASS clinic in Jacksonville, FL, provides free medical care for residents 200% or more below the poverty line through a team of volunteer providers and administrators. This clinic works with a significant number of immigrant populations in Jacksonville. 

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As an intern, my role includes taking patient vitals, rooming patients, keeping the clinic database up to date, setting up the clinic each day and preparing it for closing, and communicating with the medical providers to maintain an efficient flow of patients. I am also trained to conduct blood glucose tests, hemoglobin A1C tests, and electrocardiogram tests. In this role I have also gained proficiency in AthenaHealth. I work every week during the semester. 

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This has been an incredibly enriching experience. I have gained more exposure to the medical field (even having the opportunity to shadow some providers) and have had many hours of direct patient contact. I have learned about the complexities of providing medical services and especially about the unique challenges of providing volunteer-based care to low-income people.