A medical student’s journey at SVdP’s Ivy Center nourishes a healthier community
At St. Vincent de Paul’s Ben & Catherine Ivy Center for Family Wellness, dedicated volunteers are essential to advancing the center’s mission of empowering families through wellness education. Among them is Sam Dinh, an aspiring physician who, like many of her peers, seeks meaningful, hands-on experience while helping to prevent and manage chronic diseases in Phoenix’s underserved communities.
Sam’s role as a volunteer involves assisting with nutrition workshops, where she helps patients learn about managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension through practical dietary changes. She often works alongside patients to explain portion control, meal preparation, and the nutritional value of foods.
“It’s amazing to see how small, consistent changes can lead to healthier outcomes for our patients,” Sam shares
In addition to workshops, Sam participates in health screenings where she measures blood pressure and glucose levels while engaging patients in conversations about their health goals. One memorable interaction for Sam involved a Spanish-speaking patient who was initially hesitant about making lifestyle changes.
After learning that the patient enjoyed dancing, she worked with him to incorporate it into his exercise routine. The moment not only reinforced the importance of culturally relevant care but also highlighted how personal connections can inspire meaningful change.
Cultural competence is a cornerstone of the Ivy Center’s approach, and volunteers like Sam are supported in developing these skills. Mariana Rodriguez, SVdP’s Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, plays a key role in guiding volunteers as they navigate language and cultural barriers, and has been one of Sam’s greatest mentors.
“Understanding the cultural context of our patients' lives is essential to providing compassionate care, as it fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and ensures that every patient feels seen, heard, and valued,” Mariana explains.
Sam has embraced this opportunity by improving her Spanish skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of the patients she serves.
“Being here has taught me that healthcare is about so much more than treating symptoms,” Sam shares. “It’s about understanding people’s lives—their challenges, their goals—and working together toward better health.”
By assisting with workshops and screenings, medical student volunteers help expand the Ivy Center’s reach within the community. Their contributions also support the center’s partnerships with local organizations that provide additional resources for patients after they leave the clinic.
“Volunteers are the heart of our mission—bringing compassion, commitment, and connection to those who need it most,” Mariana adds. “Their efforts help empower our patients to make informed decisions about their health, creating a lasting impact that extends well beyond the table.”
For Sam, volunteering at the Ivy Center has been a transformative experience that has shaped her perspective on medicine and reinforced her commitment to practicing patient-centered care that prioritizes empathy, cultural competence, and collaboration.
“Every day here reminds me why I wanted to become a doctor in the first place,” Sam says.
Through their dedication and compassion, dedicated student volunteers like Sam are making a difference in their community while preparing for future careers in healthcare. Their work at the Ivy Center exemplifies how education and service can come together to improve public health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
