More about Pearl Griffiths

Here is more information about Pearl Griffiths who provided our health and housing information.

• How did you get interested in health care?
  • I have been interested in medicine since I was in high school (I attended Colfax High School). After completing my BS in Biology at Gonzaga University I came back to Colfax and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing facility and assisted living. This work is what really cemented my decision to pursue a medical career. I am very excited for more clinical experiences to come and even more excited to work in underserved and rural communities as a physician in the future.
• What goals do you have related to your education through UW School of Medicine? (Like what do you plan to do after you fulfill the education requirements.)
  • Right now, I am interested in internal medicine. This would mean completing a residency in internal medicine once I graduate. Of course this could change as I experience more of medicine throughout medical school!
• What brought you to the L-C Valley and your work with TriState Health?
  • UW School of Medicine has a program called the Rural Underserved Opportunities Program. This program is 6 weeks long, four weeks of clinical immersion in an underserved or rural community and two weeks of remote classroom learning. TriState Health volunteers to be a part of this program.
• Did that local connection (with TriState Health) help tie you into the L-C Valley Habitat for Humanity?
  • As a part of the program mentioned above, we complete a summer public health project. I interviewed patients and providers at TriState Health and was informed that housing instability is a public health concern for the Clarkston community. From there I found your program and the work you do for the community in regards to providing affordable stable housing.
• What work did you do and what was your title while working at TriState Health? 
  • At TriState Health I am hosted by a physician. I am a medical student practicing patient interviews, physical exam skills, and charting. I also assisted with minor office procedures.
• Do you have anything else you’d like to add?
  • It has been an absolute pleasure working with your office. I am so excited to have learned so much about housing stability regarding health and that I could produce something for you all to use in your events etc. It has also been a pleasure to get a glimpse of the wonderful community here at TriState Health.