Bayanihan Clinic

Asalamuwailakum Everyone,

I've created this blog to reflect on my experiences at Bayanihan Clinic. By the Mercy of Allah, I was offered admission to this amazing clinic which aims to deliver health care services (mainly primary care) to underserved communities in Sacramento. Originally, the clinic was founded to serve Filipino veterans of World War II, who were unfairly deprived of health benefits previously promised to them by the U.S. government. However, within the last 2 years the Bush administration passed a bill that reinstated health coverage for these veterans. Because veterans are now able to access primary and specialty care physicians, the clinic has changed its focus to serving the greater Sacramento area.

As a new volunteer, I'm in the process of training, which should take most of spring quarter. I want to become a fully trained volunteer ASAP because that's when I'll be able to work in the actual clinic. As a full volunteer, I would be able interact with doctors, medical students, and patients; thus learning TONS about community-based health care. What really attracted me to this clinic is that it's completely run by undergraduate volunteers and medical students, the doctors' role is mainly for mentorship, guidance, and core diagnosis. The limited role of the doctor, results in more responsibility and control in the hands of undergraduates, which really enriches the experience. It's an invaluable experience because students must learn how to work with peers, doctors, medical students, and patients in order to keep the clinic running efficiently. If problems occur, it's completely in the hands of students to solve them by working with each other to come up with solutions. The experience gives Bayanihan volunteers the opportunity to mature into effective leaders in the field of health care.

So far my experiences have been great. The people in the clinic are really friendly and social; it feels like a family. I don't know most of the volunteers yet, but I expect with successive clinic and outreach days bonds will be formed. I already have a good relationship with the student coordinators Fam, Lorgail, and Mark; they're all really helpful with everything and anything. The next few blog posts will outline my first few meetings and my first outreach event.

I'll keep everyone posted.

Salams,

Saif