SMTs Blog
Our mission and projects through the lens of our members
Sashank Padala 5.7.2023
Sashank Padala is a freshman studying Physiology and Medical Sciences
After volunteering for 2 years, I’ve been able to see many aspects of the medical field. Of course, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists are all important in the field of medicine. However, my main motivation is to lead the team in patient care. While I volunteered, the doctors were the main point of contact for any questions and they were able to engage with the patient to decide on the treatment plan, and that was something I resonated with. I want to be able to not only diagnose patients, but I also want to make a difference in their care by guiding them through every step of the way. Being a physician and a leader will also allow me to better advocate for patients and achieve my goals of helping the underserved to my fullest potential.
Street Medicine Tucson was the first club I got involved in on campus. I was walking down the mall when Raymond waved me down. I thought it was going to be another club that I would sign up for and not commit to. But, as I heard more and more about the club, I realized that this club aligns perfectly with my values and views on medicine. I chose to come to the U of A because of the large homeless population and the experiences I would gain working directly with the underserved.
As a member of SMT since the fall of 2022, I’ve had so many great experiences both working with my peers and patients. One of my favorite parts of SMT is our ethics conversations. It’s eye-opening to discuss all the problems with healthcare and the moral dilemmas involved with being a physician. This and many other opportunities have helped me grow both academically and as a person through my time here at the University of Arizona.
Charles Zhang 4.24.2023
Charles Zhang is a freshman studying Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences
Entering college, I have been constantly looking for a pre-health club dedicated to serving the community and providing me the opportunity to practice my clinical skills. I tried a few pre-health clubs here and there, but it was super difficult for me to become involved in these clubs since they offered limited opportunities to their club members. It was not until January of this year when I stumbled across the UA Street Medicine Club on Instagram and attended my first general meeting. Reaching out to the Street Medicine E Board during my first meeting, I felt super welcomed by everyone in the club and learned more about their mission to aid the homeless population through providing them with free healthcare and basic living supplies such as food, water, and clothing. During the weekly meetings, I learned about the pressing problem of homelessness in Tucson and found out about a wide variety of opportunities I could partake in to help alleviate this problem in our community.
A few months ago, I was so glad I had the opportunity to participate in my first Street Medicine Clinic at Z mansion. I was able to first handedly witness the widespread homelessness problem in Tucson and have conversations with some individuals. Hearing the daily challenges they experienced on a daily basis, I wanted to help them out in any way possible. As a part of the vitals team, I helped determine the chief complaints, take the manual blood pressure readings, and performed other tasks as well. During my first few times of taking blood pressure on the patients, I was unable to hear the korotkoff sounds with the stethoscope. However, through practicing my skills constantly during the clinic, I was able to improve my skills and obtain the blood pressure of the patients and practice other hands-on and communication skills.
I genuinely appreciate everything this club has done for me and can’t wait to participate in future clinics and other volunteering opportunities! These valuable clinical and volunteering experiences in my community will definitely help prepare me for a career in the field of healthcare.
Pranav Saravanan 4.17.2023
Pranav Saravanan is a freshman studying Physiology and Medical Sciences
My path into medicine began because I had chronic sinusitis growing up, and it really inhibited my ability to sleep. The drive to understand the reason for my struggles pushed me to learn about my anatomy, and I soon became enamored and obsessed with the puzzle that is the human body. As I learned more and more, I also became frustrated with how my illness was always given a temporary solution, such as a nasal wash, that never really helped me in the long term. I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to ensuring that those who needed care would always get it, and I then realized medicine was the career meant for me.
As I searched for clubs at U of A, I came across Street Med, and I knew right away this was a club I wanted to dedicate 100% of myself to. Each board member was truly dedicated to providing care to those who needed it the most: the homeless population. That commitment to helping underserved populations inspired me to join this initiative and serve to the utmost of my ability. Working in the SMT clinic and seeing how large of a difference even a single cup of hot cocoa can do for someone made me realize the impact I can have on people through this club, and it gave me new perspectives. Now, I am driven to take action, no matter how little, to help those around me. I want to help the drive committee, I want to start street runs, and most importantly, I want to constantly move forward when it comes to finding new ways to help the populations that need it the most.
Jonah Wachs 4.10.2023
Jonah Wachs is a sophomore studying Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry
When I first arrived at The University of Arizona, I was not sure where I wanted to go in life. I knew I wanted to make a difference and have a positive impact on others, but I was not sure how I would accomplish this. I explored various different pathways, but one that always stood out to me was medicine and the healthcare field.
The medical field has continued to fascinate me in my studies, in recognizing the ability I would have to provide direct help to those in need. A career in the medical field also provides the opportunity for endless education in my life to keep up with new research/findings. Medicine and health are rapidly evolving fields, which continue to inspire me to pursue my dreams day in and day out. As I look to my future in medicine, everyday of this journey will bring new challenges and opportunities. I am excited to continue my pathway and education in order to accomplish all my goals and aspirations.
Crys Rios 3.22.2023
Crys Rios is a freshman studying Neurology/CogSci with minors in Biology and Psych
Medicine and science in general have been a passion of mine since I was a child. It was further influenced by the illnesses I saw in the people I knew. With neurology, it became an interest in 5th grade, when I saw and got to hold a pig brain, I was instantly fascinated and wanted to learn everything I could. I continue to be fascinated by the brain more and more every day. I chose SMT because I have done service projects working with the homeless population in the past, and I realized there is a lack of support to that population. I also just enjoy volunteering and being of service in any way I can. My volunteer work is what has grown my passions for medicine more than anything, it is truly a joy and so rewarding to be able to help those who need it.
In the picture I chose I am with my family at my graduation. I chose it because they are my biggest inspiration, and without them I wouldn't be where I am today.
Joey Bonnaire 10.16.2020
Street Medicine Tucson made me feel welcome. After my sophomore year, I transferred to the UofA from the University of Miami. One of my main concerns was finding people to hang out with. Most people my age (juniors) already have their set group of friends. With this club, though, I was able to quickly find an amazing group of individuals who shared the same interests with me. Mobile Medicats also brought me opportunities I never thought I would find myself encountering. Take Z mansion for example. Volunteering there a couple times a month completely changed my perspective on the homeless. Z mansion made me appreciate everything I have in my life, while also making me feel incredibly rewarded as I helped those in need. One interaction I will cherish was simply giving a pair of shoes to a man. He said “I’m gonna dance at your wedding.” It was amazing to see how happy he was and all I did was find some shoes that were donated by someone. Another opportunity that I have been grateful for is Habitat for Humanity. Who would have thought that I would have so much fun waking up at 5 in the morning on a SATURDAY. The people that I went with in the club I did not know that well, yet I ended the day with even more friends. Mobile Medicats has been one of the highlights of my time at the UofA and I will always be grateful for the experiences I have shared with a great group of people.
Iris Hyde 9.25.2020
In the alley behind Z-Mansion, a frustrated woman points at a man: “Can you tell him he needs to move? He’s too close to me. He’s too close to my stuff. I’ve asked him to move, but he won’t listen.” The man in question stands at least 12 feet from this woman, far from the orange cone on the ground that denotes social distancing guidelines. I feel myself tense up, worried this might be a conflict I can’t solve. The man is clearly an adequate distance from the woman in terms of our Covid-19 regulations, but she is agitated and feels he is ignoring her. I walk over to the man and hand him a cold water bottle: “I’m sorry, I know you’re further than 6 feet from this woman, but she is uncomfortable. Would it be possible for you to move?” The man tilts his head in confusion, and I realize he doesn’t understand what I’m saying. I try speaking to him in basic Spanish, and when I do, our line of communication opens. He immediately apologizes and moves further away from the woman. I thank the man and return to the woman, who is now content with his distancing. The situation has been deescalated.
For the rest of the morning, I make sure to return to the man, and we have short conversations in Spanish. It is his first time at Z-Mansion, and he asks if we have food every day. I tell him no, only on Thursdays and Sundays right now. Later, he asks if we have any undershirts. I don’t know the word for undershirt in Spanish, but he conveys its meaning using gestures and other words, so I bring him a shirt. Not only have I now used the Spanish I learned in the classroom to actually communicate with someone, but I have been able to provide this man with information, clothing, food, and, at least on my end, a sense of connection.
This is why I love Z-Mansion. The relationships, the stories, and the constant opportunities for growth and learning. While guests and other volunteers can serve as resources if I need a hand or notice a medical issue, I also have autonomy when it comes to communicating with people and finding my place every weekend. When I realized the man spoke Spanish, I could have left to find someone who speaks better than I do. Instead, I decided to take the leap, to just try. In that moment, 5 years of classroom Spanish were finally applicable to the real-world.
When I first walked into the dining area of the Z-Mansion 7 months ago, guests sat at tables animatedly talking with one another. There was a general sense of community and liveliness. I stood in a corner for a minute or two, overwhelmed and unsure of how to become a part of this community. I didn’t want to intrude upon any of the guests, but eventually, I challenged myself to try to start a conversation. Most people were eager to talk, to share, and to learn about my life as well. I heard all about the pros and cons of Phoenix and Tucson from a man who’s lived in both cities, and a young man with a name similar to mine told me his whole life story, all the way up to getting out of prison just a couple weeks earlier. A couple detailed their sobriety journey, including learning to celebrate holidays and special occasions without alcohol. One woman said she didn’t feel like having a conversation, but when I complimented her nails, she changed her mind. I sat with a man as he soaked his feet, and we talked although I wasn’t quite sure about what. I left that day feeling exhilarated, and I could tell that the Z-Mansion and the people I would meet there would become an important part of my life.
Growing up, medicine was always on my mind. While I was terrified of cartoons, I was fascinated by medical mystery shows and childbirth stories on TLC, along with snake bite dramas on Animal Planet. I had a mesh tent in my backyard that I called my “Cicada Hospital” where I would gather recently-hatched cicadas and watch over them until they could fly. I watched sports just for the chance to see an injury, getting frustrated by the inevitable commercial break. At some point, though, I ruled out medical school. I told myself that it was too competitive, my hands are kind of shaky, and maybe I wouldn’t be good at the actual medicine part anyways.
I started my freshman year as a Global Studies major, interested in human rights and considering studying law. I finally joined Mobile Medicats towards the middle of second semester, before COVID, primarily to work with the local homeless population. As soon as I stepped into my first meeting, I knew I had found the perfect club. Everyone seemed to genuinely care about other people. The social and inclusive nature of Mobile Medicats provided me with the opportunity to volunteer at Z-Mansion despite not having a car through carpooling with other volunteers. Even though I only went to Z-Mansion once before I had to go back to Kansas City due to the pandemic, I thought about that day all summer. I returned to the Z as soon as I got back to Tucson, and although a lot has changed since the start of the pandemic, that sense of community and care is still there.
Since late February, I have reflected on my previous doubts about entering the medical field. Now, thanks in part to Mobile Medicats, I have returned to my original passion for medicine with newfound confidence. I am in an EMT certification course, and the Z-Mansion-related CHS 334 class through which I will receive my Community Health Specialist certification. I have never been more enthusiastic about my classes. No matter what I end up doing professionally, I will always have Mobile Medicats and Z-Mansion to thank for both my professional and personal growth, and also some of my very favorite memories.
Deven Contreras 2.21.2020
“Intelligence without ambition is like a bird without wings”-Salvador Dali
Whether our ambition is Z mansion, a community ride along, our forthcoming mobile clinic, or Habitat for humanity. These events give us flight, they give us hope that we as undergraduates can do something worthy for our community. All of which are events that keep our members and me with the club. Maintaining the desire and drive to keep advancing the opportunities and community outreach of this club. Nothing brings more satisfaction than being able to help those around my community that are going through unfortunate events in their lives. Luckily for me, I can help throughout my community with the consistent opportunities that are given with Mobile MediCats.
During one of my trips with Habitat for Humanity, I had a beautiful encounter with Chance, one of the future homeowners. I had the opportunity to work side by side with him and get a sense of what impact our work has. He is a high school senior but unlike most, he is in a time of his life where he has to worry about where his next home will be. During the short time of meeting him he told me, “Deven thank you and keep going, I can see it in you”, heartfelt words that were unnecessary. But they were words said in a voice of gratitude and appreciation. Appreciation for helping when his family is in need. In gratitude, knowing that with our help his family will soon be able to call a place home. It’s the small things that can put a smile on somebody’s face and being a part of this club really shows me exactly that. The people we encounter show us that even though you might be going through hardships or never-ending challenges, one must always look in the mirror and keep going. Like Chance, many encounters have lit a fire under me to keep going forward in my studies and to keep pushing for the advancement of the Mobile MediCats mission.
When I first joined this club, I didn't expect anything from it but as I started getting more involved, I realized this club is exactly what I wish to do in the future. As an aspiring physician, I plan on helping my surrounding community with any situations caused by medical disparities. As a member of the Mobile MediCats, I have gained a passion, a passion to help expand our medical footprint by doing everything possible to get our mobile clinic out. And its people like Chance that give more meaning in continuing the ambitions of what Mobile MediCats is all about.
Emmery Kelly 2.11.2020
When first coming to the University of Arizona, I wanted to find a medical club that allowed me to get my foot into the door of applying to medical school. Of all the pre-med clubs on campus, why was Mobile Medicats the perfect fit? While participating in the Mobile Medicat’s volunteer projects allowed me to gain the clinical and community service experience I was looking for, membership provided opportunities to establish connections and experiences outside of a medical school application. The group’s narrative on people experiencing homeless was refreshing and motivating, especially as someone unfamiliar with the Tucson community outside of the University. Instead of viewing this population as a problem to be fixed, they offer resources and services that are typically deemed unnecessary and undeserving to these specific individuals. In an age where our society incorporates more obstacles for this population because of a negative stigma associated with “homeless”, Mobile Medicats takes the initiative to provide care to these individuals, whether it’s healthcare or other necessities.
Upon coming a member, I have been able to help with providing these services on a weekly basis. Each of our volunteer projects, whether it be a CRA, Z-Mansion, or Habitat for Humanity, offer a fulfilling and different experience every time. One day while at Z-Mansion doing rounds in the courtyard, I met a woman with the sweetest dog. I asked to pet the dog and asked for the dog’s name. The women responded that she named her Holly, the same name as my dog. She immediately perked up as I exclaimed this, and she went on to tell me how had raised Holly for 15 years, ever since she bought her as a puppy. I showed her a picture of my Holly and we continued to talk about the pleasures of being dog owners and how great companions’ dogs are. Even though I wasn’t explicitly administering clinical help, I value this interaction because of the personal connection I gained through just being able to converse with someone. The woman didn’t need medical support, but rather someone to just engage with. These simplicities of meeting new people from all walks of life add a personal component to our volunteer projects. Mobile Medicats mission enables us all to build a passion continuing to pursue serving a specific population in our very own community.
Tudor Ciocanel 2.4.2020
It was an early Sunday morning as we walked away from the parking lot. Care packages in hand, we began to make a plan as we saw more and more homeless come our way. A few of us split towards a group surrounding an elderly lady in a wheelchair. After explaining the contents of the bags and that we had one for each individual, a slight relief washed over the elderly lady’s face. Closing her eyes and letting out a deep breath she exclaimed in Spanish. She then grabbed the hand of one our Medicats and thanked her profusely. Still holding Medicat’s hand, she looked us over and began to say a prayer. We naturally came together and stood around her with our hands together as she blessed us over and over again. When she finished, I could see her face harden again. But for a moment, I had witnessed a sense of hope.
When I first joined the club, I didn’t know how much these experiences would shape me. But over time I started to realize that I no longer cared about just looking good on paper. I wanted to make a difference. It isn’t often that you get the chance to truly make a difference as a college student. But with the Medicats, it’s different. Everything we do, makes a difference.
Many clubs use arbitrary volunteering events to boost their club’s participation and member’s experiences. These one and done events may sound perfect for a resume builder, but they lack continuity and an overall greater purpose. Such clubs leave students who are truly passionate about making a lasting difference in the dust. But this is exactly why Mobile Medicats is so special. Rather than follow the norm, we’ve instead devoted our entire purpose to one cause: a continuous commitment to providing aid to the Tucson population experiencing homelessness.
Our commitment takes many forms, but they all reflect a simple fact: the comforts we take for granted pose real consequences for those who lack them. For instance, without warm layers during winter months, a homeless person is left freezing at night. This leads to compounding problems that could’ve been avoided. Even the lack of basic hygiene methods poses a great risk for avoidable diseases. So whether we’re handing out care packages with food and water, or running a mobile shower unit, everything we do, better’s someone’s life.
Rue Arce 1.28.2020
Z Mansion is one of those places I can always find myself looking forward to visiting, and I’m really glad that one of the focuses of Mobile Medicats is supporting the work that goes on there. Through this club, I’ve been able to volunteer there consistently enough to where I have friends among the staff and the homeless population. It’s worth noting that the people who work there are some of the most caring and empathetic people you will ever meet, and unlike some professionals who might brush off a hopeful pre-med student, they will 100% support and believe in anyone who endeavors to take on a medical profession-- simply because your presence at the Z demonstrates an interest in helping people faced with health disparities, and it really matters. From all kinds of people experiencing homelessness, I’ve learned so much about the treatment of injuries, diseases and illnesses, and have been able to apply things that I’ve learned in classes like CHS334 to clinical assessments. Also, they’re simply really kind people and given that they’re comfortable and feel that you are listening to what they have to say, are more than happy to spark up a meaningful conversation with you or give you stories about their troubles.
Volunteering at the Z through Mobile Medicats has made me well-versed in the type of unfair treatment and judgement the homeless receive from ignorant people. I’ve heard many stories where situations were handled poorly by professionals who were supposed to know how to handle medical emergencies but were hindered by their fear and mistrust of the homeless. It’s really important that everyone know that this sector of our population is exposed to more than a hundred times the rate of violence compared to the average person, and yet the injuries they come into Z Mansion's clinic with are often overlooked in hospitals, ignored because they correlate with drug use, or go undiagnosed because they are seen as simply crazy rather than suffering from a serious mental illness. Volunteering there has made me a more empathetic, less judgmental, and more understanding person, and I’m proud to say I no longer feel uncomfortable speaking with strangers with drastically different backgrounds than me.