Chinese Medical Navigation Program
The Chinese Medical Navigation Program is dedicated to ensuring that we meet the medical needs of the growing Chinese American population in New Jersey. Our goal is to see to it that all patients get equitable access to the health care services they need.
Together with the Center for Asian Health, the Chinese Medical Navigation Program offers one-stop services:
- Appointment coordination
- Interpretation and translation
- Finding specialists
- Transportation arrangement
- Navigation for testing/specialty physician visits
Contact the Chinese Medical Navigation Program and schedule an appointment.
Ellen Yanli Tham, Health Care Navigator Patient Navigator
In 2021, Ellen joined the Center for Asian Health at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, a primary care practice meeting the health care needs of the Chinese and Asian population through culturally relevant care and support. Ellen has served as the Community Liaison and built strong connections between the center and the Chinese community. In this capacity, she has led numerous community health screenings and health educational events, including the annual health fair “Chinese Wellness Day” which is renowned in the local Chinese community. Through her work bridging the gap between providers and patients, Ellen has established a vast network of providers at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center who serve the Chinese population.
The Chinese Medical Program at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center was launched in July 2024, expanding on the success of Chinese Medical Programs at Monmouth Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospitals at Somerset, Hamilton, and New Brunswick. Ellen deeply understands the difficulties in attaining medical care for those in the Chinese community due to language barriers and cultural differences, thereby making her a strong advocate for Chinese patients by assisting them to overcome those barriers in accessing care and ultimately attaining better health outcomes. Ellen was born in China and received her MBA degree from Columbia University and MA degree from University of Hawaii. She speaks both Mandarin Chinese and English.
