Nitya Patel
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Nancy Harmon, R.D.H.
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Malta Dental and Medical Clinic / 0
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Oral5
Session: Session 1 – 10am – 10:50am
Room: Breakout Room 5
Authors: Nitya Patel, Nancy Harmon, R.D.H.
Presenter: 6
Abstract
The current healthcare system in the United States contains many apparent flaws and discrepancies. This has led to many people in need of proper treatment not being able to receive or afford it, resulting in more extensive health issues that could have easily been prevented. This study focuses on the work of the Malta Dental and Medical Clinic and how it has helped many who are otherwise unable to receive proper healthcare. The research project involves communicating with patients of the clinic and discussing their experience and treatments. Through interviewing patients, physicians, and dentists, the hope is to find ways to make the clinic more accessible and be able to expand its resources to help a wider range of people. Currently, the clinic has been growing in all aspects, including its patient database, donations, and resources. It is also currently in the midst of adding a soup kitchen to their establishment in Detroit, Michigan. Patients have come from not only all over the country, but from all over the world, with the clinic being able to reach many in countries such as Egypt and South Africa. The majority of the staff involved in the clinic are unpaid volunteers who recognize the discrepancies in the health field. The overall goal is to be able to compile all of the information regarding patients and physicians into a presentation that will be displayed on the clinic website and sent out to sponsors and grant foundations, in hopes of receiving the specific funding and resources needed to continue to extend the reach of the clinic and access those in need.
Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences
