Spotlight: Barry Makes a Difference Through Compassionate Care

Working alongside healthcare professionals, Julianna Barry helped bring medical care to individuals facing some of the community’s greatest challenges during a summer internship with Regional Health Reach.

A Rochester-based organization, Regional Health Reach provides primary medical care, mental health counseling, and dental care to unhoused individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.

Barry, a biochemistry major, had the opportunity to work directly with patients with responsibilities in clinical operations and community outreach efforts. Some of her daily tasks included taking a patient’s vitals, administering standardized screenings, arranging patient transportation, and identifying unmet community medical needs.

One experience that held significant value to Barry was her participation in Regional Health Reach’s Street Medicine program. This program allows medical, mental health, and social support to be brought directly to the patient in need. In the program, Barry helped conduct outreach to local shelters to perform health screenings and identify medical needs in the community.

“Being able to meet folks where they’re at in their shelters or encampments felt personal in a way that clinic work could not replicate,” said Barry.

Throughout Barry’s internship, her communication was her most utilized skill. Many conversations involved sensitive topics and required empathy, professionalism, and adaptability.

“I had to navigate conversations that were often awkward, highly personal, or otherwise out of my comfort zone every day,” she said.

Beyond hands-on experience, Barry gained a deeper feeling of gratitude. Working with patients broadened her understanding of the social factors that can influence an individual’s health.

“This opportunity taught me to not take the little things for granted when it comes to healthcare,” she said. “Having a support network, reliable transportation, housing, mental health care, and proper nutrition are all the essential foundations for a healthy life.”

Ultimately, this experience confirmed Barry’s commitment to pursuing her interest in clinical medicine. As spring approaches, she plans to apply to Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs in May.

For students searching for internship opportunities, Barry advises them to apply themselves broadly.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to recruiters directly,” she said.

This article was written by Olivia Bennett, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fisher for the 2026-2027 academic year.