Caroline Berberian

UConn School of Medicine

I was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. I hold a Bachelor of Science in biology.

As an undergraduate, I volunteered at a free community clinic. During my time, I worked to help
individuals to fill out an application that allowed them to access care if they were ineligible for
Medicaid. My favorite part of volunteering was being able to encourage these people to
advocate for themselves and their health! Throughout my gap years, I also worked as an
OBGYN medical assistant in New Haven County, where I was afforded the opportunity to work
with non-English speaking patients. I enjoyed learning new languages and cultures as I worked
with these individuals.

During one of my shifts as an OBGYN medical assistant, I remember hearing that choosing a
career often means one has to pick the broken system that they are most devoted to. After
hearing this, I promptly resolved to further educate myself on the ways in which the U.S.
healthcare system needs to be ameliorated. I learned that in big cities with large healthcare
systems, there are still a plethora of patients left without care. Patients often receive rushed
care, and are left to decipher labyrinthine medical terminology. As a future provider for the
underserved population, I want to communicate in a comprehensible manner. The various
volunteer events through the Urban Service Track will allow me the chance to practice providing
quality care to members of the underserved population. I also hope to incorporate graphic
medicine into my care, providing a more consumable means for patients to understand their
health.