March is National Social Work Month– a time to honor the professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring that patient care goes beyond medical treatment. At Holy Cross Health, we understand that healing encompasses not only physical recovery but also emotional and social well-being. Our social workers are the vital link that bridges these gaps, advocating for patients, connecting families with resources, and addressing the broader determinants of health.
In this blog, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of three remarkable social workers—Gerard Brown, Apurva Puranik, and Subrina Branch—whose personal stories and impactful work demonstrate the transformative role of social work in healthcare. Their contributions not only empower patients and families but also pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Meet the Social Workers Making a Difference
Gerard Brown: Advocating for Those Without a Voice
Gerard Brown’s decision to become a social worker was driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. For him, social work is not just a profession—it is a mission to advocate for those who may not have a voice in society.
“Social work provides a unique opportunity to assist individuals, families, and communities facing challenges, and it allows me to advocate for those who may not have a voice in society,” he shares.
For Gerard, the ability to help people navigate difficult circumstances, support their mental and emotional well-being, and contribute to a more just and inclusive world is what makes social work so fulfilling.
“There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone find strength, resilience, and hope during tough times.”
Apurva Puranik: Finding Purpose Through Social Work
For Apurva Puranik, becoming a social worker was a journey of self-discovery. After moving from India to the United States with her husband and young daughter, she faced the challenge of her bachelor’s degree not being recognized in the U.S.
“At that time, I was encouraged by my husband to go to school for better job opportunities, and the question arose once again about my purpose in life, which allowed me to determine that I really love to help others and would like to make a difference in their lives.”
It was during this time that she discovered the social work program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU)—a moment that changed the course of her life.
“Being a social worker, I believe, has given me a purpose and an opportunity to make a difference every day.”
Subrina Branch: A Passion for Helping the Underserved
Subrina Branch’s passion for social work stems from her childhood experiences growing up in poverty. Having personally faced limited access to resources, she felt a strong desire to create positive change for others who are less fortunate.
“Growing up in poverty and not having access to the type of resources we have today has greatly inspired me to want to bring about positive changes for the less fortunate and underprivileged.”
Her journey into social work has been one of advocacy, empathy, and bridging gaps to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the support they need.
The Importance of Social Workers in Healthcare
Social workers are essential in bridging the gap between patients, families, and medical teams, ensuring that care goes beyond just physical healing. They provide emotional support, advocacy, and resource coordination to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Apruva emphasizes the holistic nature of social work, saying:
“We carry the torch of holistic care. In an environment driven by technology and treatment, medical social workers remind everyone that healing is not just about curing the body but also nurturing the spirit.”
Beyond addressing immediate medical concerns, social workers focus on empowerment and trust-building. Apruva continues:
“As a social worker, I have the privilege of making a difference in the lives of my patients every day. This role offers a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from helping my patients and families by empowering them to overcome obstacles.”
For Gerard, social work is about advocacy, coordination, and emotional support:
“I bridge the gap through advocacy and communication, providing emotional support, coordinating care, resolving conflicts, and keeping the focus on patient-centered care.”
Subrina highlights how social workers connect patients to crucial community resources:
“We act as a bridge between patients, families, and the medical team by identifying social issues, advocating for patients, and connecting them to resources like transportation, food, and mental health services.”
She also stresses the importance of cultural awareness and trust in patient care:
“I try to learn and understand their world, culture, and differences—meeting them where they are, providing empathy, and building trust, which lays a strong foundation for the patient-worker relationship.”
Through advocacy, relationship-building, and resource navigation, social workers ensure that every patient receives equitable, compassionate, and personalized care, reinforcing that true healing involves both the body and the mind.
The Lasting Impact of Social Work on Patients and the Community
Social work in healthcare is deeply rewarding yet emotionally complex. Every day, social workers provide critical support to patients and families, guiding them through some of life’s most challenging moments. While the role comes with difficulties, it is the transformative, patient-centered connections that make it so meaningful.
For many social workers, the most fulfilling experiences come from seeing a patient’s progress and knowing their advocacy made a difference. Subrina shares,
“The most emotionally rewarding moment of my career is seeing my patients accomplish the goals they set and thanking me for not giving up on them. That brings me great joy and gratification.”
These moments of impact come in different forms—from reuniting families to ensuring patients receive the dignity and care they deserve. Gerard reflects on the emotional depth of his work:
“Helping a family reunite after experiencing trauma or addiction or guiding a patient through the end of life while ensuring they and their family receive the emotional and practical support they need, can be deeply moving.”
Despite the emotional weight of the role, social workers find strength in their ability to create meaningful change. Apurva describes the personal fulfillment she experiences daily:
“This role offers a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from helping my patients and families overcome obstacles. The relationships we build, based on trust and empathy, add a deeply personal dimension to the work.”
Through compassion, resilience, and advocacy, social workers continue to provide unwavering support—not only navigating complex healthcare systems but also ensuring that every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.
The Future of Social Work in Healthcare
As healthcare becomes more complex, the role of social workers continues to expand, offering critical support to patients navigating difficult circumstances. Gerard shares,
“Social workers have a significant potential to shape the future of healthcare in meaningful ways. As social workers, we will continue addressing health disparities, integrating mental health, navigating, and prioritizing care coordination, empowering and educations patient and building collaborative teams.”
Looking ahead, social workers will play an even greater role in bridging healthcare gaps, shaping policies, and advocating for vulnerable populations. As more professionals step into leadership roles, their voices will help drive systemic change, ensuring that patient care is not just about treatment, but about long-term well-being and dignity. This commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care remains at the heart of Holy Cross Health.