When I was accepted into KINES 414: Interdisciplinary Study of Street Medicine, I knew I was stepping into something special—but I couldn’t have imagined how deeply the experience would shape me. As I write this reflection, my heart feels both full and eager. A week in Los Angeles, working alongside professionals and students from various disciplines, taught me more than any lecture ever could about dignity, community, resilience, and the complex—but beautiful—intersection between healthcare and humanity.
My journey began early—2:30 a.m., to be exact. Exhausted from juggling work and school, I boarded my flight feeling oddly numb. No nerves, no excitement—just stillness. It wasn’t until I turned on my “Graduating College” playlist and looked out the airplane window that the reality began to sink in. After months of anticipation, I was finally on my way to a week that would both challenge and change me.
The first two days were spent exploring the city and bonding with my classmates. But by Monday, the focus shifted. We began our journey into the world of street medicine with a session led by Corrine Feldman at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Her passion and insight laid the groundwork for what was to come.
On Tuesday, my group was sent into the streets of L.A. to observe medical rounds with USC’s Street Medicine program. I was paired with Jack, a compassionate and experienced provider, who walked me through each patient we would visit. Our first stop was a motel room—home to a deaf patient living with AIDS and a rare tumor condition. As we entered his space, I sensed his discomfort. He glanced nervously at his belongings, and I quickly realized the importance of where I focused my attention. Instead of looking around the room, I focused on him—his kind eyes, his needs, his dignity. Shaking his hand seemed to mean more than any words could.
That moment set the tone for the rest of the week—but it was a man known as Porkchop who left the biggest imprint on my heart. When we couldn’t find him at first, I panicked. “Where is he? Is he okay?” But soon enough, we spotted him waving from the sidewalk. While the team provided wound care, Porkchop and I talked about his son, who is in college. He shared his hope—that his son would have a better life than he did. Despite his circumstances, his pride and warmth were unmistakable.
I offered him and his partner a new tent and sleeping bag to help them through an upcoming street sweep. But instead of just handing the supplies over, I helped his partner move them into their “moving” bin—a small act that said, I see you. I respect you. She hugged me tightly and gave me a small Marilyn Monroe air freshener as a thank-you. One of her few possessions, given freely. I’ll keep it forever.
Throughout the week, it was these small, unplanned moments that made the biggest impact. Conversations with women at clothing drives who lit up over a new outfit. Abraham, who told me I looked like Katy Perry after I handed him a frozen yogurt. Talking with my peers after a long day and hearing that I had inspired them. Even the smallest gestures carried weight. These moments added up to something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Working alongside students and professionals from other disciplines including Biobehavioral Health and Kinesiology opened my eyes to the collaboration required in real-world care. Healthcare isn’t just about diagnoses or prescriptions—it’s about humility, empathy, communication, and building community. Each student brought their own perspective, their own lived experience—and that’s what made this class so transformative.
As the trip came to an end, my classmate Anastasia and I walked along Venice Beach, handing out leftover supplies—and even a few of our own belongings—to those in need. It was a simple gesture, but one that felt deeply meaningful.
If I could offer one piece of advice to a student considering KINES 414, it would be this: go. Go with an open heart. Go ready to listen more than you speak. Go prepared to see the world—and yourself—a little differently. Street medicine isn’t just about providing care; it’s about restoring dignity, rewriting narratives, and remembering that healing begins with connection.
This trip reminded me that service isn’t always about saving someone—it’s about standing beside them in a time of need. I went to L.A. thinking I might help change a few lives. I left realizing my own had changed instead.
About the Author
Lauren Healy is a graduating senior at Penn State, majoring in biobehavioral health with minors in human development, family studies, and biology. Lauren is a hardworking first-generation student who is very involved with the College of Health and Human Development as a college ambassador. She is passionate about being a leader for her community and this is shown through her dedication to emergency medical services as she has been an EMT for nearly three years and was recently promoted to crew chief. Lauren will be attending the University of Vermont to complete a pre-medical program before attending medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.
When she is not studying, she is probably planning a trip somewhere as she has a passion for solo traveling. In the spring of 2024, she studied abroad in London, England for six months and was able to solo travel to eight other countries. Her favorite place to visit was Athens, Greece because of the delicious food and history!
