2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 30

"Pain, chronic diseases, and stress. These are some of the things that affect many of our patients
daily. In any other medical office, these patients would be given a slew of medications and referrals
to every physician out there. Through the Shepherd’s Clinic and Joy Wellness Center, we are able to
tend to not just their biological needs, but also their psychological, spiritual, physical, and emotional
needs. The providers treat holistically and collaboratively, with the behavioral health therapist to
the physician to the diabetes nurse educator working together to treat an individual patient. At the
Joy Wellness Center, I have seen patients who would be taking a bottle of ibuprofen a week, just
doing a few stretches a day. I have observed patients walk in stressed and angry, but walk out
smiling, ready to take on the world after a private appointment. I have been able to observe many
patients win the fight against diabetes. I have also been able to cook a healthy meal for patients and
change their perceptions about healthy eating.
The wonderful part about the center is not just the appointments or therapies, but the loving
community that is created. As a part of the Life Balance Weight Management program, patients are
put in a group of around 20 people, stuck together for the full 16-week program. They look forward
to the program every week. When one patient told everyone she wasn’t going to eat sugar, the
entire room bursts into applause in support. Another patient’s HbA1c (a measure of diabetes)
became low enough so she was not considered pre-diabetic anymore. The other patients exclaimed
with sincere happiness for her success, and asked about her secrets to get some tips to help their
own diabetes. The volunteers, staff, patients, and community members who attend the classes truly
support each other in their health goals and other aspects of their lives. Being a part of such a
welcoming and supportive community is what allows the clinic to actually impact community health
in Baltimore. I am grateful to have been part of this community for the past couple months, while
making my own mark on the Wellness Center. Overall, I have learned the role integrative medicine
can play in a healthcare setting, and I hope to bring this to my own career in the future." -Jasmine
Community Partner: Joy Wellness Center
Intern: Jasmine Malhi
Site Supervisor: Kerry Martinez
What is the Joy Wellness Center?
At the Joy Wellness Center we offer programming in four
areas: Movement Education, Healing Arts, Stress Reduction, and
Nutrition Education. All programs and therapies are designed
specifically to create transformative, healthy, life-affirming changes in
the lives of our patients.
• Tended the garden via daily weeding, watering, and
planting
• Helped with the holistic health classes by preparing
materials such as lesson plans and recipes
• Performed administrative duties including patient
intake, wellness orientations for interested patients,
referral processing, and recruitment for classes
• Compiled and designed a recipe book to distribute to
the community to promote nutrition and healthy eating
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