PA Students Get Hands-On Experience
“The work Culmore Clinic does on a daily basis has huge impacts on the health of the community. ”
Hannah Morrison, PA-S (right) with Laura Rodriguez, PA at Culmore Clinic
This summer, we’re proud to welcome Physician Assistant (PA) students completing clinical rotations at our Clinic. Our new partnership with George Washington University PA Program is one that brings energy, compassion, and an extra layer of care to our patients.
These students, in their clinical year, are in the final stages of their training. Their time with us is more than a graduation requirement, it is a powerful opportunity to learn what it means to serve with heart, especially in a setting where access to healthcare isn’t always guaranteed.
By rotating through Culmore Clinic, PA students gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of medical concerns, often seeing conditions they may not encounter in other settings. They also witness the complex social and financial challenges our patients face—deepening their understanding of what it means to care for the whole person, not just the illness.
More importantly, these future healthcare providers learn to listen. They work side-by-side with our team to build trust, break language and cultural barriers, and make each patient feel seen, heard, and respected.
This experience often stays with them long after the rotation ends. It is our hope that they might go on to serve in community health, or medically underserved areas—proving that a short time at a free clinic can lead to a lifelong commitment to equity in healthcare. We’re grateful for the extra hands and open hearts they bring, and we know our patients will be too.
Here's what Hannah Morrison, PA-S had to say about her experience at Culmore Clinic. Check back next month for an interview with PA-S, Kimberly Siguenza-Ramos!
Hannah Morrison, PA-S
How did this rotation influence your understanding of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare?
This rotation presented the unique opportunity to work with a variety of healthcare providers, counselors, nutritionists, social workers, and medical providers of different specialties all in one location. I enjoyed seeing how all of the different fields of healthcare come together to provide holistic patient care.
How did working with uninsured patients shape your understanding of healthcare access and equity?
Working with uninsured and immigrant patients helped further shape my understanding of the challenges surrounding healthcare access and equity. It was a learning experience to navigate the set medication list provided free of cost to the patient, limited referral options, and unique socioeconomic considerations.
What did you learn about the role of community-based clinics in filling healthcare gaps for marginalized populations?
This rotation showed me how important community-based clinics are in filling healthcare gaps for marginalized populations. The work Culmore Clinic does on a daily basis has huge impacts on the health of the community. Community-based clinics provide essential preventative care to marginalized populations in order to reduce the burden of chronic disease and provide a wide variety of resources that go beyond the realm of medicine.
Can you share an example of how this rotation challenged or changed your perspective on the role of a PA in underserved communities?
This rotation showed me how important of a role advanced practice providers, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, play in underserved communities. Our training prepares us to work in these areas and utilize our physical examination skills to provide high quality patient care with limited resources.