SABRINA FARINA

This Spotlight appeared in our October 2023 newsletter.

Why did you want to be a social worker, and why did you choose to work within the bleeding disorder community?

I had a social work instructor who gave a class assignment to interview three social workers in different work settings. I completed the assignment and was drawn to healthcare social work. I would recommend to any teen or young adult to try this interview approach when considering a certain field or career path. I chose to work in the bleeding disorders community because of the unique comprehensive care model offered at the HTC as well as the opportunity to work with patients throughout all stages of their life.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is when a patient feels safe to turn to me, as well as our clinical staff, to speak openly with us about medical and emotional challenges in their life so that we may offer support and help.

In your line of work you have helped and educated many patients. What have you learned from working with this population?

In working with this community, I have learned the value of raising awareness about the complexity of health insurance and community resources to help offset the costs; mental health care in relation to coping with a chronic condition; and transitioning education so that young adults feel equipped and confident to manage their own chronic condition.   

Please share an interesting hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work – something that would surprise people!

Those who know me best have told me, I want to do everything when it comes to hobbies and activities. This means being open to trying new experiences and situations throughout life. My suggestion would be to find a variety of hobbies and activities that bring you joy throughout the year.

What is your go-to self-care activity?

The self-care activity I practice the most is surrounding myself with positive healthy relationships and prioritizing these relationships in my life. Positive healthy relationships are the people in our lives that love us, make us laugh and raise us up.  These relationships are treasures in our lives and fill our heart and soul.   

If you were an animal, which one would you be and why? 

In the animated film Finding Nemo, I like Dory, a blue tang fish, and her positive outlook on life. Dory encourages her friend, Norman, a clown fish, to not give up hope in finding his son, Nemo. Dory repeatedly sings a happy little tune, “just keep swimming.” Dory’s quote inspires optimism and resiliency when challenges and obstacles present themselves in life.