HCASB 2011
Physical Therapy & Rehab Center
Prosser, WA
Spring 2011
Prosser, WA
Spring 2011
Our group went to Prosser, WA, a small, rural town located in Eastern Washington known for it’s wineries. Thus, most residents in this area are farmers. Since the area is made up of farmers, there is a high Hispanic population in the area. Surprisingly, even though there is an unequal distribution of ethnic groups in the area, everyone is very accepting to different ethnic groups. Residents in Prosser live a simple life. They are self-sustainable; some grow crops, raise farm animals, and even hunt small animals for food. Prosser is very different from Seattle. It’s a rural area with lots of farmland and wide open areas, whereas Seattle has many buildings and busy streets. There isn’t a public transportation system in Prosser. People rely on cars to get around.
In the future, I would like to temporarily live and practice medicine in a small, rural place such as Prosser, but not permanently. I do like the fact that they can obtain the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meats from their local farmers market. The food quality in Prosser is great, which is something larger cities lack. However, born and raised in Seattle, I love the urban atmosphere. I enjoy doing outdoor activities. I love seeing people on the streets. I love being able to take the bus around the city. I don’t think Prosser or any small, rural area will allow me to do these kinds of activities. People drive around everywhere. I was going on a run outside and people stared at me weirdly. Thus, I will only be able to live and practice in a rural area temporarily, but not permanently.
One assumption about the rural communities before this trip was the access in technology and communication. Before we went to Prosser, we didn’t know if they had internet or phone service. However, when we got there, our cell phones worked, there was Wi-Fi in our host family’s homes, and a fast internet connection in the clinic. Prosser wasn’t as rural as we thought it was.
Working at the therapy clinic taught me how to treat patients with care and patience. The therapist in the clinic have made close connections with the patients. The patients are always smiling and come in with a positive attitude. They are ready to do all the exercises the therapist orders them to. The atmosphere makes it enjoyable to be in. I remember when a patient was going to be discharged, she said she’s going to miss coming to the clinic because she enjoys the therapists so much. The clinicians joke around and have fun in their jobs. They don’t treat it as a job, but as a way of living. I’ve learned to love your patients and try to create a friendship with them. Healthcare is not just a “treat the patient quickly and leave” type of process, it’s about caring for the patient and bring them back to health. The care you give to the patient is what drives them to regain their strength.
My experiences with the therapists at the clinic was amazing. They taught me so many things I wouldn’t have thought about therapy. They were very lenient and allowed us to play around with the equipment. They didn’t exclude us and even let us help them. They explained everything in detail. Everyone was a family in the clinic and they made me feel a part of it. The best advice one of the therapist gave me was find what I’m passionate about. There are so many opportunities out there, I can mix and match different passions and create a job I love. My host mother worked at a Physician Assistant and she told me to think about my priorities in the future. For her, starting a family was important, so being in medical school would be difficult for her. Thus, she became a PA instead and now she’s a mother of two wonderful daughters.
Overall this trip has taught me to not just treat my patients like a number in the healthcare system, but as a friend. I am very thankful to be in Prosser, shadowing such a wonderful group of therapist and being housed by the most caring family. Hopefully next year, I will be able to attend another Healthcare Alternative Spring Break!
In the future, I would like to temporarily live and practice medicine in a small, rural place such as Prosser, but not permanently. I do like the fact that they can obtain the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meats from their local farmers market. The food quality in Prosser is great, which is something larger cities lack. However, born and raised in Seattle, I love the urban atmosphere. I enjoy doing outdoor activities. I love seeing people on the streets. I love being able to take the bus around the city. I don’t think Prosser or any small, rural area will allow me to do these kinds of activities. People drive around everywhere. I was going on a run outside and people stared at me weirdly. Thus, I will only be able to live and practice in a rural area temporarily, but not permanently.
One assumption about the rural communities before this trip was the access in technology and communication. Before we went to Prosser, we didn’t know if they had internet or phone service. However, when we got there, our cell phones worked, there was Wi-Fi in our host family’s homes, and a fast internet connection in the clinic. Prosser wasn’t as rural as we thought it was.
Working at the therapy clinic taught me how to treat patients with care and patience. The therapist in the clinic have made close connections with the patients. The patients are always smiling and come in with a positive attitude. They are ready to do all the exercises the therapist orders them to. The atmosphere makes it enjoyable to be in. I remember when a patient was going to be discharged, she said she’s going to miss coming to the clinic because she enjoys the therapists so much. The clinicians joke around and have fun in their jobs. They don’t treat it as a job, but as a way of living. I’ve learned to love your patients and try to create a friendship with them. Healthcare is not just a “treat the patient quickly and leave” type of process, it’s about caring for the patient and bring them back to health. The care you give to the patient is what drives them to regain their strength.
My experiences with the therapists at the clinic was amazing. They taught me so many things I wouldn’t have thought about therapy. They were very lenient and allowed us to play around with the equipment. They didn’t exclude us and even let us help them. They explained everything in detail. Everyone was a family in the clinic and they made me feel a part of it. The best advice one of the therapist gave me was find what I’m passionate about. There are so many opportunities out there, I can mix and match different passions and create a job I love. My host mother worked at a Physician Assistant and she told me to think about my priorities in the future. For her, starting a family was important, so being in medical school would be difficult for her. Thus, she became a PA instead and now she’s a mother of two wonderful daughters.
Overall this trip has taught me to not just treat my patients like a number in the healthcare system, but as a friend. I am very thankful to be in Prosser, shadowing such a wonderful group of therapist and being housed by the most caring family. Hopefully next year, I will be able to attend another Healthcare Alternative Spring Break!