Esther Kim, Volunteer Medical Intern

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How long have you been a volunteer at AWC?

Since May 2023.

Where are you from? Where do you go to school?

I grew up in the Northeast. I’m currently a 4th year student at the University of Georgia.

How have you benefitted from being a volunteer intern?

So many ways and too many to list! I’ve learned so much about the community and the patients we serve. The disparities that are ever present in healthcare as well as just the wonderful work the clinic does have taught me things I’m sure I’ll take with me in my future professions. I’ve also met so many amazing people — the nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, students, patients, networks in this field, workers at the homeless day center downstairs, community members, and probably more that I haven’t named. Exposure to a clinical environment has clarified and deepened my commitment to enter into medicine and serve disadvantaged patients.

What do you love the most about your internship?

Truly the patients that I meet and get to serve. Being able to develop relationships with these patients even as an intern has been so rewarding.

What is the most challenging aspect to being an intern at AWC?

Knowing there’s a limit to my experience and expertise – as well as knowing the hardships the patients face due to their demographics or finances. However, it is still encouraging to be able to do the best we can for the patients, which is a lot more than they’ve ever experienced. AWC definitely helps individuals take a step in the right direction.

What advice or tips would you give interns interested in volunteering at AWC?

When it comes to volunteering, but especially at AWC, come with an open mind, a willingness to humble yourself and learn, and realize the impact that you have. Also, the patients we serve are unlike what you’d see at your own clinic. Come because you want to serve this community, not because you simply need clinical hours. Come with humility and a heart to serve, you get so much out of volunteering with AWC in addition to realizing the impact you have on the clinic.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

My aspiration is to combine both communications and medicine to serve and advocate for vulnerable communities. I’m genuinely not sure what that may look like, but I hope to merge these two interdisciplinary fields in my future career. I’m currently majoring in Public Relations and have applied to medical school.

Do you have any favorite hobbies?

Playing the keyboard (I’m in a local band in Athens and in one at church), swimming, going on walks, reading books with friends, traveling . . . but mostly figuring out the best places to eat!

What is your favorite comfort food?

Any type of Korean food! But my mom’s cooking is definitely the best— specifically kimchi jjigae.

What is a fun fact people may not know about you?

I’ve lived in five states and two countries — attending six different middle schools and five different high schools!