Virani’s field experience focused on developing resources for Karen refugees in the Minneapolis community who recently emigrated from Burma. She worked under the supervision of Dr. Shana Sniffen, a family physician at the HealthEast Roselawn clinic in St. Paul and part of the Community Health Initiative Intern Program.

Virani created tools that the Karen community can use to assist them in their transition to a new community. She provided the foundation for developing a website for the refuges and their providers. Virani also compiled patient education materials and resources translated in the Karen language along with resources focused on providing information relating to weather, clothing, and education.

This opportunity provided Virani an opportunity to develop skills in community needs assessment and focus specifically on the needs of a refugee population.

She notes, “The project made me efficient at managing my time, enhancing research skills, and reporting techniques to key stakeholders.”