Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Cash.
Hi Michelle , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a pediatric nurse practitioner. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1991 and then with my Master of Science in Nursing in 1996. I have been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Central Florida for the past 29 years. I started working at Grace Medical Home 15 years ago when it first opened.
Grace Medical Home is a not-for-profit multi-specialty medical practice for the uninsured, low-income people of Orange County, Florida. Grace provides integrated, comprehensive, whole person health care with continuity for those who have trouble accessing the health care system and utilizes a core group of staff and hundreds of volunteers. Grace has been open more than 15 years and had over 16,000 patient encounters last year. There are 12 primary care providers who see patients once a week and over 35 specialists once a month along with mental health counseling, social services, dental care, medication management through a dispensary, spiritual care, nutrition education and a care coordination team.
I consider it a privilege and honor to care for the pediatric patients at Grace Medical Home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Caring for the underserved is never a smooth road. There are many barriers to accessing care and resources for this population. The marginalized struggle to have their basic needs met, this includes shelter, clothing and food. Even when health care is desperately needed it is often considered a luxury when your basic needs are not being met. Even though it is not a smooth road it is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to offer excellent care to those that need it the most.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am very proud to work at Grace Medical Home. I love our mission and vision. Our mission is to be a medical home reflecting the heart of Christ by offering the highest level of healthcare to those in our community that need it the most.
I love children and I love caring for them and their entire families. I am a strong advocate for each and every one of my patients. I cry a lot of tears and lose a lot of sleep over their struggles and needs; however, I have often said that when my heart stops breaking for my patients then I know that it is time to retire. My heart continue to break for them so I will keep caring for them and fighting for them.
I am most proud of the way I love my patients.
What does success mean to you?
Success is when my patients get excellent care and their needs are met. Whether that is medications, treatments, specialty visits, counseling, social services, dental care or community resources. No matter how big or small the need is, when it is met that is SUCCESS.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Gracemedicalhome.org
- Instagram: @gracemedicalhome
- Facebook: @gracemedicalhome
Image Credits
Grace Medical Home
