An Integrative Understanding of the Public Health Sector

My service term with the National Health Corps Philadelphia has been immensely humbling and educational thus far. As a college senior, many of my studies focused on human health and the environment; coming into the program, I considered myself privy to issues of urban health and the many challenges of the healthcare system. Alongside a passion for service, I joined the National Health Corps to gain a better understanding of the healthcare profession before diving into a career without much applicable experience. As a future healthcare provider, I wanted a more tangible and holistic understanding of this field and serving as a Patient Advocate at Health Center 10, one of the largest health centers in Philadelphia, has allowed for just this. Shadowing and serving alongside the experienced professionals of the health center have exposed me to the harsh realities of serving in the public health sector of a large urban network. This influx of exposure, knowledge, and experience has long replaced what I thought I knew, inspiring me now to look at both the greater picture of policy issues and the more microcosmic issues that dictate the climate of the public health scene.

Beyond my clinical and on-site experiences, serving with NHC Philadelphia has introduced me to a multitude of learning and service opportunities that provide a more holistic and integrative approach to understanding the public health sector. Members are regularly updated with local seminars and lecture series that cover a broad range of healthcare-related topics, allowing members to pursue their respective passions and professional interests. This exposure has dramatically increased both my knowledge and interest in a variety of vital issues, including women’s health, issues of mass incarceration, and epidemiological studies and policies.

Recently, for example, I attended the first lecture of the Philadelphia Public Health Grand Round series, held at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s section on Public Health and Preventative Medicine. The presentation focused on research and social controversies surrounding long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs). Four speakers of various backgrounds presented on the issue from both corporate and medical perspectives. Prior to the presentation, I had never even heard the acronym “LARC” and though I was vaguely aware of the marketing of long-acting contraceptives, I was entirely unaware of the pros, cons, or even controversies that surround the issue. The presenters did a tremendous job of presenting the impact of their research and the momentous strides their advocacy work has done for women’s reproductive and general health. Furthermore, the event was followed by a networking event with well-experienced professionals, including Thomas Farley, the Health Commissioner of Philadelphia. The chance to network and interact with said professionals is a tremendous way to learn more about jobs, policies, and current events within the public health sector from an experienced resource and/or potential mentor within the field. Overall, I left the event with a deepened understanding of LARCs, confident about my networking gains, and eager to continue the dialogue with friends and colleagues.

Lectures and opportunities like this and many others are what have prevented my service term from becoming a mundane routine. I have learned so much from the various events I have attended and individuals I have met, including Mayor Michael Nutter and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell, that have made such significant dents in public health policy and reform. Although Health Center 10 is constantly bustling with new dilemmas that need to be conquered, compartmentalizing my time with outside service opportunities has significantly increased my awareness regarding the issues that plague the patient population I serve. This holistic understanding then not only benefits me but also provides new insights and information that I can share with the patient population I serve. Overall, beyond the practical experiences my service term has afforded me thus far, the networking and educational opportunities have provided me with an awareness and perspective I will carry with me long after my service term concludes.
 

This blog post was written by NHC Philadelphia member Aisha Chughtai.
Aisha serves as a Patient Advocate at Philadelphia Department of Public Health-Ambulatory Health Services: Health Center 10.