It is unbelievable that [DAWN Clinic provides] free medical service to less privileged persons like myself. I thank DAWN Clinic doctors for alleviating my fears by stating the actual position of my blood sugar and prostate [specific antigen] level.

I had first met “Jim”, a struggling patient with chronic hypertension and heart failure, for a blood draw during one of my very first shifts at the DAWN clinic. After getting a baseline blood pressure, we talked about his progression and dedication towards maintaining an accurate journal while I set up my station. Seeing Jim take control of his health, and sharing in the joy of his successes, and struggles, was everything I had hoped for when first dedicating myself to the clinic.

Once I was seen at DAWN Clinic, I felt hopeful and motivated because after being evaluated by doctors there, I feel that they have an attentive interest in my case, and that they always have good intentions to help me – to solve my health problems.

My roles as a care coordinator were crucial for vulnerable persons needing resources. A recent encounter with a patient has shown me the long-lasting impacts of having a support system. The interaction with this patient continues to motivate and inspire me to keep working hard to become a physician one day and make the same connections with future patients so that they can also feel supported.

In April 2018, I woke up and noticed that I had blood in my vision. A week later, I came back to the hospital because I started feeling pain in my left eye. I was referred to DAWN where I met their care coordinators who took charge of handling my case from then on. After many months of hard work and reaching out to community health partners, the DAWN Clinic finally received the tools necessary to do my surgery. I am so thankful for everyone at the DAWN Clinic, for taking care of me.