Ismael Khalil Gil
My Story
My name is Ismael, and I am a health service administration student here at Old Dominion University. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, I would say that I am very connected to this community, including the Tidewater and Hampton Roads area. I was born of immigrant parents who worked very hard and struggled through systems that seemed to be beyond reach. My parents fell into that hard gap between earning too much for Medicaid and not enough to afford private insurance, so our family was vulnerable without the support we needed. These experiences weren't just frustrating; they were life-shaping. They sparked a passion in me to understand why these gaps exist and how to fix them. A first-generation college student, I am driven to address such inequities and workable, inclusive solutions in my journey. I dream of working with organizations to create a healthier and stronger community, wherein no one gets left behind, particularly in the place that I call home.
Mission
To create meaningful impact by connecting the dots among organizations with resources positioned to uplift communities and improve livelihoods. My mission focuses on addressing social determinants of health, including education, access to healthcare, food security, and income equity, for opportunities to be created toward sustainable growth. I participate in collaborative efforts and empathetic leadership to help bridge gaps within the underserved communities and contribute to positive change.
Vision
To work in philanthropy by forming partnerships with organizations to transform resources into actual change within communities. In future, I would like to see collaboration leading to tearing down walls and increased access to the services that are required. Focusing on equitable solutions and getting to the root cause of disparities is what I aim for while striving to help build thriving communities where everyone has a chance to succeed.
Chesapeake Care Clinic (Internship Site)
About Chesapeake Care Clinic
Chesapeake Care Clinic is a not-for-profit health care at 2145 S. Military Highway, Chesapeake, Virginia. It has dedicated itself to providing low-cost medical and dental care for the low-income and underinsured populations in the Hampton Roads area. It aims at improving community health through becoming an indispensable resource for those who otherwise would be unable to receive such care.
A Legacy of Service
Founded in 1992 by volunteer healthcare professionals, the Chesapeake Care Clinic sprang from the need for accessible healthcare in the community. What began as a small volunteer initiative has grown into an organization that has evolved to incorporate a core staff and over 250 licensed medical, dental, and administrative volunteers who ensure that patients receive compassionate, quality care as needed.
Mission and Values
Chesapeake Care Clinic has the mission to help improve lives through medical and dental services provided to underserved populations. Its core values are respect, excellence, compassion, stewardship, integrity, and teamwork, which give an environment where everyone is welcomed, every patient respected with dignity, and supported along their journey to better health.
A Commitment to the Community
More than being a mere provider of medical services, the Chesapeake Care Clinic offers a lifesaver to otherwise blocked access, focusing on matters regarding social health. The bridging of healthcare and social justice allows for wider opportunities in becoming healthier and fostering more equitableness among its patients. Its practice, which takes away the individualistic burden but fosters its clients with easier, more reachable medical care through such affordable mechanisms, is more about creating everlasting good in each individual's lives that it services.
Dourina Petersen (Preceptor)
My preceptor is the Executive Director of Chesapeake Care Clinic, a position she has held since May 2016. She has an executing experience of more than eight years as a leader in this position, overseeing operations of the clinic, strategic planning, and outreach to the community for the delivery of quality, accessible health care services.
She had over 28 years of service as Finance Director with Chesapeake Care Free Clinic before becoming the Executive Director. Her wide experience in financial management and health operations has been instrumental in the growth and sustainability of the clinic. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for underserved communities in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Resume
Professional Goals
1. Strong Data Management Skills
At the end of my internship, I would like to feel confident enough to collect, arrange, and deal with clinical data to an accurate detail. My task would be concentrated on the procedure for designing and updating Excel sheets, which include reporting a detailed summary, while all other reports have complete details. In addition to that, careful observation about consistency and according to clinic demand would be essential. I also have an interest in learning how data can serve to reveal various trends and eventually help in shaping decision-making factors in healthcare operation. Practical experiences in this sphere will equip me with skills needed in the near future, skills which will utilize accurate and organized data.
2. Learn to Work Effectively with Clinical Teams
A key goal during my internship is to build strong working relationships with the clinical staff. I want to learn how to communicate clearly, understand their needs, and make sure the data I manage is helpful for their work. By collaborating closely, I hope to see how administrative tasks, like data management, connect with patient care. This will give me a broader scope of the administration staff's role as supporters of health care teams as well as improving healthcare outcomes. More importantly, I would like to develop strong interpersonal skills that make it easier to work with diverse professionals towards creating a positive and productive workplace.
3. Maintain High Standards of Confidentiality and Professionalism
Some of the main concerns I have for this internship are data security regarding both patient and clinic information. I want to clearly understand the privacy guidelines, such as HIPAA, and learn how to apply them to everyday responsibilities. This includes practicing responsible handling of sensitive information and ensuring that such information is safe at all times. I also hope to develop good habits, such as being careful with details and staying mindful of the trust patients and staff place in me. By being professional and maintaining confidentiality, I will be able to prove that I am ready for the responsibilities of a healthcare administration role with integrity and care.