Volunteer Spotlight: Raya Rahman, Laboratory Service Assistant
Raya Rahman
Each month we take a moment to spotlight one of the many volunteers that keep Culmore Clinic running. This month we spoke to Raya Rahman, Volunteer Laboratory Service Assistant, to learn more about why she decided to volunteer with us and her experiences with our clinic and our patients so far.
1. How did you find out about Culmore Clinic and what made you decide to volunteer?
I was looking for volunteer opportunities and heard about free clinics from a former coworker. I searched online and applied to a few in the area, but Culmore Clinic was the only one that reached back out to me. I chose to volunteer here because I wanted to give back to the community in a way that was interesting and fun for me. I already wanted to pursue a career in medicine so this was perfect. Volunteering here allows me to support others while also gaining valuable experience in the medical field.
2. What role are you playing at Culmore Clinic?
I volunteer in laboratory services, where we collect and process blood, urine, and breath samples to send to an outside lab. We also provide patient education for at-home stool testing. Since I speak Spanish, I sometimes help with interpreting and communicating with patients. I also help with arranging specialty care services and diagnostic imaging, particularly for cardiac patients.
3. Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you study? Where are you from? What do you do for work?
I grew up in Northern Virginia and earned my B.S. in Interdisciplinary Science from VCU in Richmond, VA. Currently, I’m working as a certified medical assistant, building experience as I work toward getting accepted into a Master of Science in Physician Assistant program. I’ve always loved learning, and I’m fascinated by the human body and the field of medicine.
4. What’s your favorite part about working at Culmore Clinic?
Definitely the patients. Witnessing their immense gratitude is incredibly rewarding. They're always so humble, respectful, and appreciative of the care they receive. It’s truly a joy and honor to be part of it. I also really enjoy the opportunity to practice and improve my Spanish skills.
5. Anything else you’d like readers to know?
I’m a Bangladeshi-American and I grew up in a Muslim household. I was raised with the values of helping those in need and to always be kind and generous. In my free time, I enjoy working out, going out with friends, music, podcasts, and reading.
6. Could you tell us more about how you connected Culmore Clinic to Carient Heart and how they have been able to help our patients?
When I started volunteering here, Maria, Culmore Clinic’s Clinical Director, asked me to see if my former place of work, Carient Heart & Vascular, could offer cardiac testing to Culmore Clinic patients at a reduced or free cost. I took the initiative to approach the CEO of the practice and ask him if he would be willing to help these patients. His response was that they could do the PET/stress testing for them, free of charge. I then connected Maria with the office manager to set up an agreement, and we now have an established partnership with them to provide our patients with these services. It makes me happy and proud that I helped start something that hopefully will outlast my time at Culmore Clinic. I always admired their ability to find and maintain healthcare access for these patients and I am honored that I could have a small contribution to their system.
If you know of a medical practice or practicioner that may be interested in donating their services to Culmore Clinic, like Carient Heart & Vascular did through Raya, please let us know! You can email MariaO@CulmoreClinic.org for more information.