Personal Patient Navigators (PPNs)
Since its inception in 2020, the Center for Surgical Health has relied on a team of dedicated volunteer Personal Patient Navigators (PPNs) to help underserved and undersupported patients access surgical care.
When patients are referred to CSH, they are paired with a volunteer who functions as their PPN. PPNs assist patients by:
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Helping them secure financial assistance
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Supplying transportation vouchers
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Arranging translation services
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Escorting patients to tests & appointments
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Helping patients identify resources to actively participate in surgical care
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Staffing our subspecialty clinics, where patients are assessed for surgical needs
Currently, our PPNs are a group of passionate medical students, graduate students, and post-baccalaureate students from across the University of Pennsylvania campus.

About our PPNs
Reasons our PPNs joined CSH

31 individuals surveyed
Subspecialty where PPNs volunteer

15 PPNs surveyed
PPN desire for community service in career

31 individuals surveyed