Name of Host Organization: Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County

City, State: Pacoima, California

Issue area: Health Care/Medical-Legal Collaborative, Health Care

Sponsor: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Greenberg Traurig Fellowship Foundation

THE INSPIRATION

During the first two years of medical school, I witnessed a number of problems that healthcare providers encounter on a daily basis but simply do not have the time or skills to remedy. As a clinician-in-training I helped people with medical problems, but it became clear that they suffered from more than just physical and mental ailments; they suffer from poverty and homelessness, socioeconomic diseases that too frequently manifest themselves as physical and mental illnesses. I entered law school seeking a more holistic approach to patient care. The medical-legal community partnership brings legal expertise into the healthcare setting, allowing providers to work collaboratively to address the socio-legal determinants of health.

I am setting up two medical-legal community partnerships for low-income and indigent patients in Los Angeles. Along with direct services, I will also investigate the effects of the closure of a local hospital and work to bring healthcare resources back into this community.  The partnership will improve patient health by addressing issues such as housing conditions, access to public benefits, immigration and special education. The legal team will provide a range of services in these areas, ranging from brief advice to full representation. I will also train providers on how to be better advocates for patients.