This summer, I interned at the Open Door Clinic (ODC), where I worked as the dental coordinator alongside Fernanda Canales. My time at Open Door helped me see the importance of oral health through the lives of the migrant community we serve. As someone interested in medicine, specifically pursuing a career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, this experience showed me how closely oral health is connected to the health of the whole person.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, I focused on the dental clinic. I had the opportunity to work alongside dentists who genuinely cared about their patients, not just by treating teeth, but by taking the time to educate them, ease their fears, and build trust. Many of our patients had gone years without dental care, and seeing the relief on their faces after finally receiving treatment reminded me that healthcare is about restoring dignity as much as it is about treating disease.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, I worked in the medical clinic, where I interpreted for Dr. Chris Grace. Watching Dr. Grace care for his patients taught me what compassionate medicine truly looks like. He never rushed through appointments, even when the clinic was busy. Instead, he made sure every patient understood their diagnosis and treatment plan before they walked out the door.
One of the experiences that has stayed with me happened when a patient came in with H. pylori and needed to take nearly eighteen pills every day for two weeks. Because many of our patients are migrant workers with long, unpredictable work schedules, Dr. Grace knew a standard medication schedule would not work. Rather than simply handing the patient a prescription, he took the time to create a personalized pill organizer that matched the patient's daily routine, making the treatment realistic instead of overwhelming. It was a small act, but one that showed me that being a good physician means meeting patients where they are, not expecting them to fit into a perfect plan.
The Open Door Clinic is much more than a nonprofit clinic. It is a reflection of what a community can look like when people choose compassion every day. Every volunteer, provider, interpreter, and staff member shares the same goal: making sure that no one is turned away because of their circumstances. This summer gave me experiences that I could never have found in a traditional primary care setting. More importantly, it reminded me that the kind of physician I hope to become is one who treats the whole person with patience, empathy, and respect.
Andrea “Andi” Martinez Hernandez joined ODC in May 2026 as one of the clinic's summer interns. She supports patients and staff through administrative and patient-facing work in ODC's dental program and assists as an interpreter during the medical clinic on Tuesdays. From Kentucky, Andi is a Biology major at Berea College pursuing a career in medicine. On campus, she is involved in community outreach through the Yahng Discovery Center, including helping organize the Women in STEM Conference. She is passionate about community service and expanding access to healthcare for underserved communities.
