This month we talked to Zachary Nan, one of our 2020 clinic volunteers of the year! Zac has volunteered in multiple capacities, including as a triage volunteer and providing integral administrative support during the pandemic. He’s volunteered with CommunityHealth since 2019 and has nearly 200 hours of service! Read on for more about Zac.
Is there a specific area of healthcare you are interested in or healthcare experiences you are seeking?
I want to provide care for urban underserved communities and the LGBTQ+ population because they are among the most disadvantaged groups within our healthcare system. I hope to provide quality care for these individuals.
Outside of volunteering with CommunityHealth, how do you like to spend your free time?
Having grown up as a swimmer, I spend as much as my free time as possible near the water, whether that be the ocean or a pool.
What is something that not a lot of people know about you?
I have a street named after me in California.
Why and how did you begin volunteering at CommunityHealth?
I began volunteering at CommunityHealth because I wanted to have more direct interaction with the patient population I hope to serve as a healthcare provider. From volunteering, I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that urban underserved communities face when trying to access healthcare.
What has kept you volunteering all this time?
The staff and the patients kept me at CommunityHealth. The staff were so welcoming and kind. It was evident that everyone who worked there was dedicated to serving the community. The patients were amazing as well. They were patient and understanding when we got busy and always had a smile on their faces.
How can CommunityHealth be more supportive of your journey?
CommunityHealth has been amazing at supporting me in my journey to becoming a healthcare provider by allowing me to help out at the clinic, as well as writing letters of recommendation for medical school. My experiences at CommunityHealth shaped what kind of provider I aspire to be and have given me the tools to provide quality healthcare for urban underserved communities. Thank you CommunityHealth!
Why is volunteering important to you? What do you get out of it?
Volunteering is important because it provides a great opportunity for you to learn more as well as benefit your community. You can better yourself and the other members of your community. The more you put into your volunteering, the more you get out of it.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at CommunityHealth?
Take advantage of this amazing opportunity! You can learn from the staff, providers, and the patients if you put in the effort.
Zac went above and beyond when the pandemic hit to put together a system for organizing and tracking telemedicine follow up appointments. He has played a huge role in supporting CommunityHealth’s response to COVID-19 and has made a difference in the lives of our patients. Thanks so much for all your hard work, Zac! We’re so grateful for our team of dedicated volunteers like you.