Majors: Neuroscience and Behavior; Psychology
Minor: Chemistry
What was the name of the organization you worked for over the summer?
Jockey Club Home for Hospice
What was your role and what did you work on?
I was working as an intern at the Jockey Club Home for Hospice. I did the morning rounds with the doctors to visit and talk to the patients, conducted home visits and sat in on intake meetings, shadowed the psychiatrists involved with bereavement care, and contributed to brainstorming bereavement for the deceased’s family. I also assisted the musical therapist and physical therapist in their biweekly rounds, helped organize volunteer performances and events, and even performed for a patient who requested I play him a song on the guitar.
What was a highlight of your experience?
My mentors were all very nice. During my time at the hospice I saw quite a few room changes. Some passed peacefully while others not so much. One patient that stuck out to me was this grandma with awe struck eyes. Despite her deteriorating condition she treated all of us with hospitality and kindness, and always reached her hand out for a high five or a handshake. She would offer us tea and always had a smile on her face. I look up to her ability to practice compassion in the face of death, and hope to one day look at the world with such awe, even in the face of adversity.
How did your summer experience impact you?
This grant has allowed me to explore my interests in palliative and hospice care and has served to reinforce my desire to practice medicine with a focus on humanity. In a world so focused on symptom prevention, I believe there is a growing demand for the combination of both holistic and practical care. I hope to fulfill that need one day, and this grant allowed me to get one step closer.
