This summer we had the privilege of working with medical students in the Philadelphia area through the Bridging The Gaps program! In this blog series, we’ll highlight the people behind the program and learn more about our interns who helped us so much this summer.
Dylan
Tell us more about yourself!
Hi my name is Dylan Maskell! I grew up in Syosset, New York and I am a second year dental student at Penn Dental. I got my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I majored in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Disability Rights and Services while taking my pre-dental courses. I love watching TV, reading, working out and hanging out with friends. I am really passionate about both dentistry and working to increase access to care for people with disabilities!
What made you want to come to HMS?
When applying for the BTG program I heard amazing things about HMS. All of the previous interns I spoke to left the program with such a profound love for the school, the kids, the staff, an everything else that makes HMS what it is. Just hearing about it, I was very interested in this being my BTG site. On my own, I looked into the school and knew that this could be somewhere I would both have an impact on but also be impacted by.
How did your time at HMS change you?
My time at HMS molded me into a more patient, adaptable, open-minded, and creative individual. It has forever shaped the way I will interact with other individuals in both my personal and professional life especially when working with patients. Lastly, I have developed a new appreciation for every win, no matter the size and made me have a more positive outlook.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
I think my favorite part of the internship was all the people I met and relationships I made. While it was really hard for me to accept that many of these relationships are short term, I knew they were ones that were meaningful. I also loved watching every student grow and evolve throughout the weeks I was there. Not just that, but the joy that comes with each accomplishment is truly unmatched.
What are your plans for the future?
My goal in the future is to be a pediatric dentist who has an accessible office for kids with disabilities. Before coming to HMS, while I knew I had a passion for working with kids with disabilities, I was afraid that I was falling out of love with combining it with my passion for dentistry. Being at HMS not only reaffirmed this desire but made it that much stronger. It is really important to me to be able to increase access to care for these kids, advocate for them, and educate them and their parents on the importance of oral hygiene.
Franklin
Tell us more about yourself.
Hi, my name is Franklin and I’m a medical student at Drexel University. I’m new to Philadelphia as I grew up in New York and completed my undergrad at University of Pittsburgh, but I’m enjoying the big city feel and growing into the community. When I’m not studying, I love to go cycling, hiking, or seek out music around the city. I’m working away at the guitar with the goal of writing and performing my own music in the future.
When you heard that you were going to join HMS School for this opportunity, what were you most looking forward to or looking to gain?
I was really attracted to HMS School as I’ve worked with children with disabilities in the past, and knew I enjoyed the work. What I saw in HMS that hadn’t been present in previous engagements was the holistic approach to education that incorporated therapists and special education teachers. It was a privilege to watch all parties work in tandem to create the optimal learning environment for each student.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
This might be an obvious answer, but just the opportunity to work (and play) with the students. Their joy in life is unmatched and I looked forward to each day just to witness their radiant smiles and excitement in whatever activity we had planned.
What was the most important lesson learned at HMS that you’ll take with you?
I learned many things at HMS School that I hope to carry with me into my professional career, but something that I received constant reminders for in working with these children was the value in taking an extra moment with each person. In healthcare there’s an emphasis on patient volume and keeping interactions to an efficient minimum, but in our haste, I feel that we are at risk of missing the significance of the present moment. At times this summer I would just sit quietly with each student as we took part in a class activity and approach life at their speed; it was always worth it.
What advice would you give to someone interning at HMS?
I would advise future interns to use this engagement as an opportunity to expand your knowledge around the breadth of care that every person with disabilities should receive. I learned so much about the practical approach to care for conditions I’d only encountered in theory before. I would also encourage them to ask questions. Everyone on staff at HMS, in addition to being so knowledgeable in their expertise, is so invested in the care of students there and excited to share that knowledge with others.
Interested in working with HMS? Visit our Career Opportunities page to see what positions may be right for you!
Want to volunteer at HMS? Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about how you can help out at HMS!