Alfa Jules, Human Resources Manager
My mom discovered the Fruitvale clinic when I was a young child; we lived two blocks away. It was smaller then, but I got both my pediatric care and dental treatment there and at San Antonio. I remember having a broken tooth fixed and getting to pick a toy from a treasure box when the procedure was done. Growing up, my focus was to be a nurse because of what I saw at La Clínica.
When I was in fourth or fifth grade, we moved from the neighborhood, but eventually we came back to Fruitvale and, in 1999, I applied to work here. When they needed somebody to answer phones in the dental department at San Antonio, they called me. I was so excited to see the same staff working there as when I was little. Everyone seemed much older and I was worried about fitting in, but they were all very welcoming and the training was awesome. Dr. Solarz, who recently retired, remembered my broken tooth from when I was younger. I spent nine years there and built a lot of important relationships. I became a front desk trainer for new staff and also helped do training on our Merritt system. Eventually, I discovered HR and I’ve been in this department since 2008. I never thought I would be here this long, but La Clínica has given me so much. Managers and colleagues became mentors and I’ve had so many opportunities to learn and grow.
Maybe the most important thing about La Clínica to me is what it taught me about being a resource for people in this community. People in the neighborhood know I work at La Clínica, and I get approached at the soccer field – my husband and I started a soccer team in this neighborhood, because we saw the struggles of some of the kids in the community – or at church with questions. I like being that kind of resource.
Samad Chishti, HR Generalist
Three generations of my family have been coming to La Clínica. It started with my grandma – her provider was Dr. Paul Bayard. I would go with her to her appointments at the San Antonio clinic. My mom was also his patient and is to this day. He still monitors her health, even though he’s now the chief medical officer. And as a child, I was a patient at San Antonio, because mom had prenatal care throughout her pregnancy.
One time, I was about six or seven, we were on our way to my grandma’s appointment – me and my cousins playing in the back of the car – and I rolled out and hit my head and it was bleeding. They got me to La Clínica and the nurses rushed out to see if I was okay. They got me bandaged up, gave me stickers, and made me feel better. It’s a fond memory for me: the way they took care of me that day and rushed to my mom’s aid.
When I got out of college, my first job was as a practice coordinator at UCSF and I had to come back here for my immunization records. This was around 2020 and it was very familiar walking into La Clínica, even as an adult. Eventually, I looked to change jobs and I got accepted here, originally as a billing specialist. I did that for about two years before transferring to HR, where I’ve been almost a year. It has definitely come full circle. Just recently, we went on assignment to all locations and I became aware of how much this organization has grown. More people, more staff, more resources – it’s good to know I’m part of making it happen for patients like my mom.
My mom – who has diabetes and other medical complications – has always stayed with La Clínica and always has such good things to say about it, especially about Dr. Bayard. He’s always on top of calling my mom if something goes wrong and she always follows up with him. And he does so much more than be a provider. It’s inspiring. He’s achieved so much for our patients and for the organization and still finds time for people like my mom. It’s good to have somebody who cares.
Rosario G. Sánchez C., HR Generalist
My parents decided to enroll at La Clínica when I was young because it was well-known in my community, and it was close to our home on Fruitvale Ave. It was the place where to go if anyone needed medical care.
Ever since I was four or five, I remember being pulled into translating for my parents when they needed assistance with forms or navigating social institutions. But at La Clínica, many staff members spoke our language, so my parents felt comfortable. Additionally, my mom has white coat syndrome – she gets scared when visiting medical offices – so I am glad that at La Clínica she receives the support that she needs when getting care. That is a relief.
The first La Clínica site I visited was Hawthorne Elementary School-Based Health Center. I was a child and remember being nervous at first because it was so new to me, but the staff was patient and kind. I would get stickers and goodies every time I went. Later, in high school, I went to another SBHC, Youth Heart Health Center. The staff there was very active in promoting health services and provided quality care for all the youth at my school.
After college, I was looking to work at a place that aligned with my mission and values. I have a lot of empathy for the Latinx, immigrant, and underserved communities because that is how I identify. It coincidentally happened that I was at SBHC Fuente Wellness Center to receive care and told my provider that I was looking for a job. She motivated me to apply at La Clínica. I began at our Administrative Department and then transferred to Human Resources. Currently, I am an HR Generalist with a focus on training. I participate in new hire onboarding, new employee orientation, as well as compliance-related items, and work with our policies and procedures. I’ve received a lot of guidance from our great HR leadership team and individuals like Alfa Jules, who is also a La Clínica baby. It’s rewarding to support our staff. It makes me feel like I’m supporting La Clínica and the people who see patients like my parents.
I especially love the care our family has received in our native language, how we are exposed to preventive care, and the patience the staff has with my parents who have been at La Clínica San Antonio for many years. My dad just went to a nutrition class, where he was introduced to healthy snacks, fruits, and vegetables. He’s the last person I would have expected to go to a class like that, but he received a certificate and was very happy; I am so proud. Furthermore, I admire the work La Clínica does because I know we provide care to those who don’t have the same privileges and resources as others, but who are brave to enter and take the first step at navigating a social institution. The staff here knows how to work with our culture and our community. I am honored to have been a La Clínica baby and now a La Clínica staff member!