We are extremely grateful for the support and hard work of our summer interns. What a talented and compassionate group of students!
L to R: Natalie Holdstock, Garden & Wellness Coordinator Jesse Crouch, and Doha Medani helping fill bags of produce for Cooking Matters participants to take home.
Doha Medani: Doha is a rising senior at N.C. State. She is pursing a bachelor's degree in Nutritional Science. Doha was connected to Alliance Medical Ministry through Health Career Connection, a summer, public health internship program. Doha has been working closely Jesse, our Garden and Wellness coordinator.
"During my time here, I've learned that holistic community-focused healthcare leads to invaluable results for patients! I love that AMM's work and mission stems from a deep compassion for others, which I truly admire. Thankfully, I've experienced that same warmth in every encounter I've had this summer!"
Natalie Holdstock: Natalie is completing her undergraduate studies and will receive her bachelor's degree in Public Health this August. Natalie's course work required a semester long internship. She was connected to Alliance through a friend and knew it would be the perfect place to complete her internship. This summer, Natalie has worked with Dr. Joyner tracking diabetes patients as well as some communications and marketing projects. Natalie plans to study Spanish in the fall and complete a Spanish immersion program in the spring. She also plans to pursue a master's degree in Public Health in the following fall.
"I have really enjoyed my time as an intern here, at Alliance. I have learned a lot and I have really been able to see all of the different aspects that make Alliance what it is. There is always such a positive atmosphere and I think that is something people (patients, staff, volunteers) really value. The compassion that is shown for patients, I think, goes above and beyond. It has been a great experience.
L to R: Sara Pascucci, LPC, and Crystal Rivera, prior to seeing patients in the Purple Pod.
Crystal Rivera: Crystal joined LPC Sara Pascucci, seeing patients through Alliance's Pastoral Care & Counseling Program this summer. Crystal is in a dual degree program, working towards a Masters of Divinity at Duke University, and Masters of Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill.
"I was drawn to Alliance based on the idea that the practice provides patients with 'whole person' comprehensive healthcare. The biggest thing I have learned from my time at Alliance is the importance of vulnerability and unconditional acceptance. Vulnerability is the key to growth and it is only through fostering an environment of acceptance that people can be vulnerable enough for healing to take place."
L to R: Brad Steed with volunteer Cooking Matters instructor Lindsey Miller.
Brad Steed: Brad is finishing his undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University and will receive his bachelor's degree in Health Care Management. Brad is long time family friends with Megg Rader and Sheryl Joyner, so he has always been aware of Alliance. It was not until he became interested in health care that he saw Alliance as an opportunity to not only help out but grow personally as well. Brad plans to come back to Raleigh after graduation and pursue a career in either pharmaceuticals or health administration. Brad also plans to record music in his free time.
"[I appreciate] the fact that Alliance focuses on the "whole" person (mind, body, soul) when treating patients. I think each of those three aspects is as important as the next for over-all health and well-being."