When Elizabeth Murray graduated from Emory School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program, she took a job working with Lawndale Christian Health Center because she wanted to serve on the front lines of medicine – caring for those with limited access to health care. Even before entering the PA program, Elizabeth was drawn to a career that involves reaching out to those in need, and she discovered that career was serving as a physician assistant, blending her interest in medicine with her passion for service.
Yet, like many recent graduates, mounting student loans were a reality that could affect her ability to pursue her passion long term. Her colleagues recommended the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, which Elizabeth applied for and received the financial help needed to stay at the clinic she wanted to serve and pay off her more than $100,000 in student loans.
“I wouldn’t want to have to leave my clinic for money, or for anything for that matter,” Elizabeth Murray said. “But looking at the numbers, I would have had to change jobs if I did not get the NHSC award.”
Elizabeth joined the Corps the summer of 2011 and immediately immersed herself in her community, moving less than a mile from the clinic to forge strong relationships with the people she was treating and solidifying her language skills to better communicate with and care for her predominately Spanish-speaking patient base.
“Among the Latino population in Chicago, an overwhelming number of people suffer from untreated diabetes, and I believe many of these instances can be prevented with proper, timely education and communication,” said Elizabeth.
The language barrier to understanding most health education materials is only one of the many obstacles people in her Chicago community are facing. Elizabeth explained, “Our clinic offers diabetes (and other) medications at a reduced cost – which enables people to get the treatment they need.” She went on to explain that the clinic sees many patients who have been treating life-threatening conditions, such as severe diabetes, with home remedies because they could not afford the medications. “We are here to tell them that we want to come alongside them in their illness to help them achieve the best health possible," she said. "Affordable medicines is one way in which we are able to do so.”
Elizabeth’s ability to relate to and communicate with her patients has endeared her to the community. She recently received a call from a woman in her community who needed treatment immediately, but had no insurance or the financial means for her care. After being turned away by every clinic she called and struggling with a worsening condition, Elizabeth welcomed her to the clinic and was able to treat and educate her to prevent future issues.
Because she lives in the neighborhood of her clinic, Elizabeth sees her patients in her daily life. Not only does this give her a more holistic perspective on their lives, families, and habits, but she has the opportunity to grow up with them. This is particularly rewarding with respect to her newborn patients, and Elizabeth loves being a part of their lives and following them as they grow up. To further her impact, Elizabeth is involved with a program called Urban Life Skills to mentor at risk young women and volunteers with local health fairs. She is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
“I have the opportunity to live and work with this community, and I am so grateful I can afford to stay. For those who are passionate about primary care, this program is a no-brainer. It has given me the leg up, so I can, in turn, give back to others,” she said.
