Meet Allison Estrada | Resident Physician, Family Medicine & Co-Founder of Comunidad de Apoyo San Diego

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Estrada and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a resident physician in family medicine in South San Diego, it became clear to me early-on in my training that immigrant patients in our community do not have access to the same level of medical care as non-immigrant patients. Growing up in San Diego, I knew that many immigrants in our community are excluded from non-emergent medical insurance based on immigration status, but it wasn’t until I became a resident physician did I truly see the impact that this had on patient’s lives. During residency, I cared for many individuals who had been impacted by a lack of specialty medical care solely because of immigration status. These patients were unable to receive medical care from specialists — such as cardiologists, gastroenterologists, or surgeons — and were suffering the consequences of this lack of access. For example, one of my patients needed stents placed in his heart to prevent a massive heart attack, but because of his immigration status and, therefore, lack of health insurance, he could not get access to the procedure; he suffered with daily chest pain and the looming threat of a fatal heart attack. Other patients I saw had persistent abdominal pain without the option of a gall bladder removal surgery, and even more patients were unable to have a colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. As a physician who took an oath to prevent human suffering, I knew I couldn’t stand for this injustice any longer. Along with an amazing group of community members, we founded Comunidad de Apoyo San Diego, a non-profit organization that helps individuals who are systematically excluded from health insurance get access to the health care they need and deserve. At CASD, we provide financial support for medical procedures and accompany patients who have historically been excluded from health insurance so that they may lead healthy lives and avoid hospitalization from delays in care. Together we have been able to fund essential medical procedures including colonoscopies, abdominal surgeries, and an ear drum surgery to restore a patient’s hearing. Without a doubt it has been the joy of my life to witness the true transformation and liberation of each of these patients when they finally receive the medical care and community support they deserve. I am so excited for the work ahead as we grow and support even more patients in our community to live healthier, happier lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I did not originally set out to be a doctor. In fact, I hate going to the doctor myself! But my life course changed when in college at UCSD I participated in a program that studied migration and health. Through this program I had the opportunity to interview migrants all across Mexico and the US about their health experiences. It became clear to me that while health is of the utmost importance, many communities have been systematically marginalized from receiving the care that they need. Just like my mentor, Dr. Paul Farmer, would say, I knew deep in my bones that every human deserves health care solely based on their humanity alone. I then volunteered as an interpreter at the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic, where I learned I loved experiencing human connection and I had a passion for accompanying patients in their journey to health. Now as a soon-to-be graduate of residency, I am excited to care for patients in the clinic and continue our work with Comunidad de Apoyo San Diego to expand health access to all members of our community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am looking forward to finishing residency so I can have time to explore more of San Diego! I love to walk along the water in Imperial Beach and I really enjoy a cuban coffee and pastelito from Azúcar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to Rosa and Ramon, my incredible co-founders at Comunidad de Apoyo San Diego. As community health workers, they accompany patients through their journeys toward health and support them with the most open hearts I have ever seen. They truly are the life of CASD and I am forever grateful for their partnership and mentorship.

Website: https://www.comunidaddeapoyosd.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comdeapoyosd/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-estrada-md-8aba3a3b/

Twitter: @Doctora_Estrada