Don’t let the lab coats and scrubs fool you. Those trappings might be functional, but they camouflage one of the greatest secret weapons a medical professional can possess — the heart of a warrior.
Health Care Quarterly asked the folks on the frontlines of health care to think about their work like its a battle — because it often is. What is their biggest foe, and — most important — what are the tools in their arsenal to help stay ahead?
The ways they approach health care can stand as lessons to be remembered in our own fight for healthier lives.
There are definitely challenges when it comes to working in the primary care setting, specifically with the underserved populations I work with. Despite these challenges, which include transportation, shortage of federally qualified health centers, and both knowledge and navigation of the health care system, there are plenty of ways we can fix these issues. Being honest with your patients and trying to understand what they are going through is critical to getting them the care they need.
We have to start by building relationships with other organizations who are trying to help our homeless populations. Bridging those relationships and building a stronger network is key to finding ways to make resources available to our patients.