AMM’s current Social Work Intern, Erin, is a Master of Social Work student at NC State. She reports to Nick, our Director of Social Work Services. Not many free and charitable clinics have a social worker who is embedded in the clinic. Erin is over halfway through her time with AMM, so we asked her some questions about Social Work and her experience at AMM.
Why did you choose Social Work?
“I chose social work because I am passionate about mental health, the holistic well-being of people, and the experience and rights of children and English learners in the United States. Social work gives me the opportunity to explore these interests and opens doors to various career paths following program completion that would allow me to work in any one of these areas or, more often, a combination of them! Social work values diversity, communication, and the well-being of everyone regardless of background - these are principles that resonate deeply with me. My program allows me to further my understanding of these principles while learning about social justice and connecting with incredible people.”
Why did you choose AMM for your internship?
“I initially gravitated towards AMM because of the opportunity it provides me as a learner to work face-to-face with individuals with diverse language and cultural backgrounds while learning about the field of medical social work. After my tour of AMM however, I chose it because of the holistic mindset towards wellbeing and the emphasis on accessibility for patients. I was AMAZED at all of the work AMM was doing from the garden to the pharmacy. I had never seen or heard of a clinic offering such comprehensive care to patients. It’s truly incredible the span of services offered and it is a testament to the dedication and compassion of every single team member at AMM.”
What do you do as a part of your internship at AMM?
“In my internship, I conduct social determinants of health evaluations and attempt to connect patients with resources in the community. I also help patients with applications for public benefits and ensure patients that obtain health insurance transition smoothly to a new provider. “
What have you learned during your internship at AMM?
”I have learned an incredible amount during my internship ranging from knowledge about programs like Medicaid to how health clinics actually function. I have learned from so many people at AMM and feel so lucky to spend half of my week with them. Probably the most valuable thing I have learned during my time at AMM is just how difficult systems in our country can be to navigate. On the other side of this though, I have learned that there are amazing people at AMM and across the country working to fill these gaps and move forward every day with positivity and determination despite the negativity and obstacles we may face in our society.”
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
”After graduation, I intend to pursue licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to practice as a mental health therapist. I am thankful for my experience at AMM and am positive I will carry all I have learned with me.”