Innovation

The Palomar Dialysis Center is not just a facility where patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure can go to be treated for their illness; it is also a place of promise and development for many young women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Not only do they work towards the goal of good health and well-being for the locals plagued with kidney illness, but they also promote equitable education and gender equality through a sponsorship and internship program implemented in 2015 by director Kuljeet G.

The center sponsors the college tuition of two young women looking to immerse themselves in the medical field. In addition to sponsorship, the women are enrolled in an internship program at the center where they gain hands-on experience working with patients and local members of the community. The innovation is progressive in the sense that it is highlighting women in their endeavors to complete higher education and gain access to a career trajectory that they might not have been privy to before. The innovation itself may seem as though it is a simple one, but it opens doors for young women looking for a bright future and increases the quality of life for Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia as a whole, as women who are passionate about the medical field are given the opportunity to explore their passion in a tangible, hands-on way.

Inspiration

Kuljeet G., the director of the Palomar Dialysis Center, has been a leader in the health care industry in Kuala Lumpur for many years. She is passionate about empowering others and giving people, particularly women, a seat at the proverbial table. It is no secret that higher education is expensive, and unfortunately not many people can afford it. Kul Jeet has made it her mission to give back to those who may not have the means to get where they dream of being. She was in a very similar position herself when she was young, so she feels a personal responsibility to help others the way she was helped in her youth. Thus the internship/sponsorship program at the Palomar Dialysis Center was born!

Overall impact

The Palomar Dialysis Center in Malaysia has made a big impact on the people of Malaysia by providing different services to the citizens and residents and also being a great role model for their society. Sponsoring female students by providing them with an internship opportunity in the STEM field helps these students learn more about the services that Palomar Medical Center provides. The female students are receiving quality education through their scholarship program, preparing them to further their education. They are also giving these female students role models to learn from and enter the workforce and contribute to the economy. These services result in good health and well-being for their patients. They are also combating the issue of gender inequality, which exists in all fields everywhere around the world. They are doing in this by giving their female and male workers the same salary if they are doing the same amount of work. Their overall impact has been immense towards the Malaysian society and economy.

Business benefit

The business benefit of this health care system enables many nurses, doctors, administrators, and specifically female interns going into the STEM field to gain hands-on experience through their internship hours, and even earn a scholarship towards a local university. Not only are these young girls able to get a head start on entering the work field in their desired field of study, but they also get the chance to further their education even more. Employers love to see those who have traveled and who have done internships, and this STEM program will provide these girls with the right skill sets, training, and knowledge needed to continue their career paths and future endeavors. Aside from being a resume builder, STEM will provide them with invaluable experience that will set these women apart from other competitors in the health industry.

Social and environmental benefit

In regard to the social benefit of the Palomar Dialysis Center, it was stated in the interview that those being treated really enjoyed being able to “interact with the younger generation and younger interns who worked there.” Due to the dynamic work environment of new, bright interns and other staff members, this made the patient environment more appealing, welcoming, and certainly more comforting. Furthermore, by having a program that allows young girls to come together and share a common passion—healthcare services—it will encourage these women to go into the workforce with an awareness of equal opportunity and have them pursue their career goals. Perhaps this program will even encourage women to go beyond the Palomar Dialysis Center and continue going on other mission trips and service trips to continue helping others.

Interview

Belinda Gill, Admnistrative Assistant