Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Samantha Galvan

Watsonville

Summary

I am a bilingual Physician Assistant student committed to serving diverse and historically underserved communities, with the long-term goal of practicing as a primary care provider in my hometown of Watsonville, California.

My goal is to give back to the community that raised me by providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients who often face barriers to accessing healthcare. Having completed my patient care experience at the Watsonville Community Health Center, I developed deep familiarity with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and a strong commitment to community-based primary care.

Growing up in Watsonville, I witnessed firsthand the health disparities affecting agricultural families, low-income populations, and individuals experiencing homelessness. These experiences shaped my passion for health equity and inspired my dedication to working within an FQHC after graduation. I am especially focused on improving access to primary care for the unhoused population and providing non-stigmatizing substance use disorder services that support long-term wellness and recovery.

I strive to deliver culturally sensitive, patient-centered care rooted in respect, trust, and advocacy. As a bilingual future PA, I am committed not only to treating illness but also to empowering patients through education, prevention, and continuity of care that honors the unique needs of the community that I am proud to call home.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community Health Worker

Santa Cruz County Health Center
Watsonville, CA
03.2024 - 09.2025
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting peer support and shared experiences among participants.
  • Educated clients and families on coping strategies and available community resources for mental health support.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with regulations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients dealing with complex mental health issues.
  • Liaised with external agencies such as schools, hospitals, or law enforcement when necessary for effective care provision or client advocacy purposes.
  • Assisted in patient intake, collecting medical histories and verifying insurance information.
  • Educated patients on treatment plans, medications, and follow-up care instructions.
  • Maintained accurate medical records using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
  • Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.

Community Health Worker

Santa Cruz County Public Health
Santa Cruz, CA
01.2023 - 02.2024
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families through active listening, empathetic communication, and providing clear explanations of medical conditions or treatment plans.
  • Educated patients and families on disease processes, medical treatments, and self-care strategies, promoting informed decision making.
  • Coordinated comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate documentation and reporting.
  • Assisted patients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
  • Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.

Clerk II

Santa Cruz County, Public Health - Immunization Branch
03.2020 - 01.2023
  • Managed immunization records to ensure accuracy and compliance with public health regulations.
  • Coordinated vaccination clinics, optimizing scheduling and resource allocation for community outreach.
  • Trained new staff on data entry procedures and immunization tracking systems, enhancing team efficiency.
  • Developed and implemented streamlined processes for inventory management of vaccines and supplies.
  • Led quality assurance initiatives, identifying process improvements that enhanced service delivery standards.
  • Ensured confidentiality of sensitive documents through proper storage methods and restricted access control implementation.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Neurobiology, Physiology And Behavior

University of California, Davis
Davis, CA
06-2022

Skills

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Certification

  • CPR and BLS certified, exp. Jan 2028

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Community Health Worker

Santa Cruz County Health Center
03.2024 - 09.2025

Community Health Worker

Santa Cruz County Public Health
01.2023 - 02.2024

Clerk II

Santa Cruz County, Public Health - Immunization Branch
03.2020 - 01.2023

Bachelor of Science - Neurobiology, Physiology And Behavior

University of California, Davis
Samantha Galvan