Maxine SmithBack to Member List

NHC member Maxine Smiles, wearing a pink headband and black and white shirt.

Host Site
Steven and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services

Position
Integrative Services and Senior Patient Navigator

Where are you from?
Yonkers, NY

Why did you decide to join NHC? 
As an aspiring physician, I wanted to better understand how to navigate the medical system from a marginalized community's perspective. Thus, I decided to join NHC Philadelphia because the program emphasizes exploring the social determinants of health's impact on underserved communities. I also loved the idea of collaborating with peers in my cohort to exchange experiences and find ways to make the most of our service term together.

What are you hoping to gain or learn during your service term? 
I hope to become more comfortable and confident in supporting community health efforts by working with my host site to identify and dismantle oppressive systems that lead to health inequities. I am also eager to learn more about insurance plans and social benefits to better help my future patients, family members, friends, and even myself understand how to find the best programs that support their/my unique health and wellness goals.

What are you most looking forward to during your service term?
I most look forward to getting to know and learn from the wise and interesting community members my host site supports. Given my host site's emphasis on self-care and wellness for all, I especially look forward to bonding with community members and staff through integrative programs such as yoga classes and pain management discussions!