“Come with an open mind and desire to learn”

Each summer, our hallways are met with new faces, young students from schools across the country and in Boston, who join us for an internship. Below, we feature a short Q&A with returning summer intern Daniela Casciani-Sanoja.

BHCHP is lucky to work with talented individuals from near and far who dedicate their time and energy to learning more about homelessness from a public health lens, working alongside our staff in supporting our mission of ensuring access to the highest quality health care to our unhoused neighbors. Thank you!

Pictured from left: Interns Ania Trzesniowski, Daniela, and Katherine Cline

1. How did you hear about BHCHP, and what inspired you to get involved?

I heard about BHCHP when I applied for NDBridge, a service program at Notre Dame. I was interested in learning more about barriers to healthcare due to my family’s experience accessing care as Spanish-speaking patients and I thought BHCHP was a great place for me to gain a broader perspective of healthcare barriers beyond just language.

2. How has your time at BHCHP shaped your goals or perspective on health and homelessness?

BHCHP solidified my commitment to pursue medicine and I’m currently applying to medical school. One thing I’ve learned is that care begins with outreach and trust. Working with a population that often carry stories of trauma and loss, we must meet patients more than halfway to build trust and open the door to care. 

3. What’s one thing you’ve learned during your internship that you’ll carry with you? 

One thing that I’ll carry forward into my career is the ability to look beyond medicine and into the interconnected web of factors that make up healthcare (transportation, food security, housing, etc.). These are not just peripheral needs, they are central to care.

4. Can you describe a moment that stood out to you during your internship? 

One moment that stood out with me is riding in the van with patients and with Tony, our driver. He’s the funniest but also has the best insights. 

5. What would you say to someone who wants to intern at BHCHP? 

One thing I’d say to someone who’s interested in getting involved at BHCHP is to come in with an open mind and a desire to learn. I had no prior experience serving patients experiencing homelessness, but I learned a lot along the way and am grateful for having the privilege to work in such a unique environment.