When Kari Alperovitz-Bichell, MD, MPH, paused her undergraduate studies to explore a career in medicine, her mother inadvertently set her on the path toward community health and eventually volunteering for MAVEN Project.
“My mother had a friend working at a community health center in Boston,” Dr. Alperovitz-Bichell shared. “I volunteered there for six months, and it was an amazing and eye-opening experience. I knew very quickly that this was how I wanted to spend my career. Little did my mom know that one decision would lead to a lifelong career in community care followed by a retirement supporting those who are new to clinic work.”
Having practiced in family medicine for over 30 years, Dr. Alperovitz-Bichell is now an avid mentor for clinicians in MAVEN Project’s network. She’s distilling her hard-earned lessons into practical advice to help providers thrive in high-pressure roles.
“Working in a community health setting is unlike anything else,” she added. “I remember so clearly how daunting it was to be fresh out of training. I love the ability I have with MAVEN Project to support these providers. Their jobs are really overwhelming at times, and I can help relieve that load by talking through everything from patient cases to workplace issues. Having worked in this unique setting myself, I know all too well the challenges they face.”
With career focuses in both care delivery and education, Dr. Alperovitz-Bichell practiced in rural, urban and suburban clinic settings, as well as in school-based health centers and a public housing building for seniors.
“I would have given almost anything to have MAVEN Project in my early days of practicing,” she said. “I imagine myself as a new doctor and marvel at what it would have been to be able to consult with a smart rheumatologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, and others.”
During her seven-year tenure at the University of Maryland Department of Family Medicine in Baltimore, Dr. Alperovitz-Bichell garnered numerous accolades honoring her commitment to medical education.
Today, Dr. Alperovitz-Bichell resides in Maryland with her spouse, also a family doctor. She continues to see patients at a local hospital clinic and serves on the board of a local homelessness prevention center.
