JoAnne Obata

5 Things To Know: California Rural Hospitals Invited to AHA Town Hall

The American Hospital Association (AHA) Region 9 will hold a virtual Rural Advocacy Town Hall on Oct. 9 from 10-11 a.m. (PT) through Microsoft Teams. Region 9 includes California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington state, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific territories. AHA continues to work with Congress and the administration to enact policies to support rural hospitals. All California […]

5 Things To Know: Free Street Medicine Continuing Education Course Offered  

Clinicians, non-clinicians, peers, and administrators interested in street medicine or better care for individuals experiencing homelessness are invited to register for the San Diego Street Medicine Foundations training from Oct. 16-18. Held at San Diego City College, the three-day, continuing medical education-accredited course focuses on delivering primary care to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in their lived […]

5 Things To Know: Health Careers Exploration Program Applications Close Oct. 16

The Health Careers Exploration Program awards a maximum amount of $25,000 to organizations to support conferences, workshops, or career exploration activities that expose students to health careers. The application cycle closes on Oct. 16. An informational webinar was held on Sept. 9, and a recording and additional information are available on the program website.  

5 Things To Know: Health Careers Exploration Program Applications Close Oct. 16

The Health Careers Exploration Program awards a maximum amount of $25,000 to organizations to support conferences, workshops, or career exploration activities that expose students to health careers. The application cycle closes on Oct. 16. An informational webinar was held on Sept. 9, and a recording and additional information are available on the program website.  

Hospital Volunteers Are the Human Connection to Healing

Early in my career I was a hospital volunteer. As a pre-med student at the University of Arizona, I volunteered for hundreds of hours in the emergency department and hospice unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Ariz. It was an extraordinary experience that opened my eyes to the compassion and caring that volunteers bring to hospitals. I also saw firsthand the challenges that clinicians face every day. My time as a volunteer enhanced my appreciation of the health care system at a key point early in my career. I was inspired to continue helping people.