Discovering new path
Life experiences and skills lead to a fulfilling career
After working in tourism and customer service for several years, Biruk Milkessa was interested in exploring new opportunities.
He was referred to Neighborcare by a former staff member and friend, and joined the organization in 2020 as a Patient Services Representative at the Meridian medical and dental clinic in the Northgate neighborhood. As a Patient Services Representative, Biruk was one of the first people to welcome patients to the clinic.
“We strive to make sure all our patients feel welcome,” Biruk said. “I learned how important it is to actively listen in order to understand exactly what a patient is asking. Listening is one of the best ways to show respect and interest in solving an issue. Every time I work with a patient, I think, ‘I want to treat each of them the same way I would like to be treated’.”
Biruk is originally from Ethiopia. He moved to Florence, Italy with his mother when he was 7-years old. He decided to join the rest of his family in Seattle after graduating from high school in Italy. Thanks to his experience living in various countries, Biruk speaks four languages: Italian, English, Spanish and Amharic.
“My multilingual skills have really helped me connect with our patients and make sure they get the care they need. I’m grateful to use my language skills to improve the lives of others. I had an amazing experience helping our patients and providers.”
Left: Biruk decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect himself and the people around him. Right: Before moving to Seattle, Biruk lived and sdudies in Italy for many years.
A year after joining Neighborcare, Biruk applied and accepted a position within the Human Resources team as a Provider Enrollment & Talent Acquisition Program Specialist.
“Working at Neighborcare inspired me to learn more about health care and consider this field as my next career path,” said Biruk. “Not only did I like my job as a Patient Services Representative and the organization that I’m part of, but I also decided recruiting was my next career move in the health care industry. Health care has a lot of opportunities where you can use your skills and knowledge.”
Learn more about Biruk
Why did you choose to work at Neighborcare Health?
“I chose Neighborcare because I want to be part of an organization that helps people accessing health care regardless of their financial status. My journey at Neighborcare has been incredible so far. This is only my second year with the organization but I feel like I have been here for a while.”
How is Neighborcare different from other local health care organizations?
“Thanks to our staff members’ multilingual skills and interpreter services, we are able to communicate with culturally diverse families and individuals. I think it’s encouraging for our patients to know that there is an organization willing to help care for the health of our communities in an affordable way.”
How has working at Neighborcare inspired and challenged you professionally?
“I feel like there are opportunities for advancement at Neighborcare. Just because you don’t aspire to become a medical provider or a nurse, doesn’t mean you will not find your path in this field. Sometimes the hardest part is understanding what could be your next goal. If you don’t see the opportunity you are looking for listed on the open positions, I recommend reaching out to the recruiting team to let them know about your goals and interest at Neighborcare, what you would like to do next or a position that you would like to learn more about. I believe that showing interest and communicating is the best way to attract opportunities.”
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about working at Neighborcare or at a community health center?
“My best advice for those who are thinking about joining Neighborcare or working in community health is this: if you enjoy working with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and if you would like to make a positive impact for your community, then this is the right place for you.”
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Are you interested in community health? Do you share Neighborcare’s belief that everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of income, insurance or immigration status? Join our team!
At Neighborcare, we value social justice, cultural sensitivity, community and excellence. Our work is guided by how we treat our patients and each other, and shaped by our service commitments: respect, caring, trusting relationships and working together. Learn more (link to why work for us)
About Neighborcare Health
Neighborcare Health is the largest provider of primary medical, dental and behavioral health care services in Seattle neighborhoods where health disparities are greatest. Our care teams, who speak over 55 languages and dialects, are as diverse as our patients.
Learn more (link to About Us)
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