Washington and Lee University
Major: Biology
Internship: PACT: Growing Together, Baltimore, MD
My involvement in the Shepherd program has kept me in touch with those things that matter too often--overlooked populations in the Lexington community and the country as a whole. I find that it's easy for many students to get caught up in the "W&L Bubble," but my work with the program, particularly with the patients at the Free Clinic, has forced me to remember that many things, and many problems in particular, exist beyond this campus and has given me the confidence to confront these issues.
During my Shepherd Alliance internship, I worked as a patient advocate for intellectually disabled parents. When I began my work at PACT, the parents were all very shy. By the time I left, however, I felt as each of them had accepted me as a part of my family. One of my last days there we held a graduation for the parents whose children were aging out of the program. During the ceremony, each of the parents gave a short speech about how I had touched their lives that summer. It was a moment--and a feeling--I'll never forget.
As a result of my work with the program, I see my future as a doctor differently. My work on my capstone has caused me to consider closely the field of medicine in which I hope to practice and has enhanced my desire to work towards improving the quality of health care that poor patients receive.
Capstone Paper Topic:
Emergency Department Utilization Among the Poor: The Need to Improve Access to Quality Primary Care
Community Service Involvement: