Tasks:
● Serving as the intermediary
between patients and their care
● Introducing the uninsured to
better health practices such as
Medicaid health management
classes and medical care
● Working as a front desk
volunteer, scheduling
appointments, and running the
administrative side of a health
clinic.
● Treating all patients and
healthcare providers to facilitate
the healing process.
Community Partner: Shepherd's Clinic
Peer Mentor: Leon Chen
Site Supervisor: Glenda Skuletich
What is Shepherd’s Clinic?
A unique non‐profit organization providing quality, comprehensive
healthcare to Baltimore’s uninsured, helping people who are unable to
afford commercial health insurance, yet do not qualify for government
assistance.
When I first met Glenda Skuletich, she explained to me that Shepherd's
Clinic was primarily operated by volunteers. As the rest of the day
progressed, I realized how this model supported not just a functioning
clinic, but a true medical home. I watched the doctors, nurses, and
administration treat all of the patients with the utmost respect and care
to best help the uninsured people of Baltimore heal. Although I did not
see what went on behind the closed exam room doors, I came to value
the importance of the front desk, as I served as the first and last person
that patients saw. Therefore, I realized that every single person
contributes to the experience of health, as I was directly responsible for
setting the tone of their medical care. Not only was I responsible for
administrative tasks like screening patients and searching for charts, I
became the bridge between patients and their medical needs. Every day
I listened to patients' concerns, translated their needs to the
appropriate medical provider, and left the patients with a solid plan of
action. Between the medical staff, health care navigators, patients, and
administration, I learned how to efficiently and effectively communicate
with all the people of Shepherd's Clinic to best serve the people of
43
Baltimore. ‐Leon