Fredy Abboud (Biology, ‘25)
As an Undergraduate Research Fellow at the Institute of Clinical Bioethics, I have learned not only clinical ethics but also ambition. One may ask, “how does one learn ambition?” Well, it’s simple! The ICB fosters a bioethics learning environment unlike any other, which has forced us, as undergraduate research fellows, to rethink our perceptions of the medical field. It has led us to better identify the imbalances within the system and has inspired us to lead the charge in redressing them. I am ever grateful for the breadth of experiences and opportunities the ICB has offered me throughout these years, and I can confidently reiterate Fr. Clark’s famous saying: “The ICB is the best-kept secret on campus!”
Santino Diana (Biology, ‘26)
During my time as a fellow within the ICB, I grew not only as a student but also as a person. The various opportunities to challenge myself academically through student debates and research pushed me intellectually. Meanwhile, the countless opportunities for service through programs like the Health Promoter and Therapeutic Horticulture gave me a holistic understanding of Jesuit values and their significance. These combined experiences have strengthened my empathy, adaptability, and communication skills, giving me confidence in my ability to succeed as a clinician caring for a diverse American population.
Andren Chen (Biology, ‘26)
From the very start of my collegiate career, stepping into the Institute was one of the best
decisions I have ever made. Looking back, the ICB has provided me with so many opportunities
and experiences that I am more than grateful for. From running the very first Asian Health
Promoter to working in a wound care clinic in Kensington, these experiences not only
shaped me professionally and personally but have also provided me with endless stories of
friendship, hardship, and deep compassion–stories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would like to personally thank Fr. Clark, Steven, the ICB Staff, and all the fellows for making my years in this program memorable.
Benjamin Gabrieliants (Biology, ‘26)
Having been a fellow of the Institute of Clinical Bioethics for the entirety of my four years at Saint Joseph’s University, I can confidently say that the ICB is simply a large family of like-minded students. The ICB has taught me not only to lead by example, but also to serve with compassion, empathy, and humility. It was through my journey as a fellow that I have learned what it means to be an aspiring physician. Without the various experiences that I have had the opportunity to engage in within the ICB, I would not be in the position that I am in today: as a matriculating medical student at Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
Barbara Scaccia Liscano (Biology, ‘26)
My experience as a fellow of the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Saint Joseph’s University. The ICB has helped me grow both personally and professionally, challenged me to think in new ways, and allowed me to explore my field of interest more deeply. Above all, the ICB has inspired me to continue working in service of those who are most vulnerable, and it has given me the foundation to provide that care in the future with compassion and dignity. I am very grateful for the mentorship, guidance, and opportunities the ICB has given me, and I know the lessons I have learned here will stay with me throughout my future career. I am excited to see how the program continues to grow and wish nothing but the best to all the fellows and the amazing ICB staff.
Jessica Haddad (Biology, ‘26)
During my four years at the Institute of Clinical Bioethics, I have gained a deeper
understanding of the connection between dentistry, service, and access to treatment. Through my
work with the Health Promoter Program, I have also learned the importance of trust and
communication, as well as the ethical barriers that patients experience daily, especially in
attaining continuity of care. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue providing restorative
care to underprivileged areas in Philadelphia at Temple University Kornberg School of
Dentistry. It is a truly full circle experience that reflects my growth and reinforces my purpose as
a future dentist; to move from providing education and preventive care, such as fluoride
applications, to directly restoring patients’ oral health in the clinic and connecting them with more affordable, accessible options.
Nouhad Khoury (Biology, ‘26)
The Institute of Clinical Bioethics (ICB) is more than just a semester-long commitment, it is a community of individuals who live by the Jesuit values. Before joining the ICB, I was unaware of the problems outside of my bubble. However, by volunteering for the Health Promoter Program and other projects, I have come to realize now how blind I had been. Marginalized and minority communities all within the tri-state area are facing significant health issues, and are unable to receive the care or attention they need. With the ICB, we were able to rise to this adversity and meet these communities where they are. With every Health Promoter I attended, I bore witness to the compassion and determination of my fellow members. The ICB is a family that has not only supported me throughout my college experience, but has also been a pillar to so many others.
Artiom Butuc (Biochemistry ‘26)
As a fellow, I have broadened my perspective on the intersection of research and medicine. My experiences in the Health Promoter Program as well as working on a variety of projects have given me insight into how to be a leader and mentor. Through these experiences, I developed a deeper appreciation of how scientific inquiry can directly inform patient care and improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Moving forward, I hope to integrate rigorous research with compassionate clinical practice, allowing both to guide me as I promote meaningful change and provide support to those I serve.
Anthony Gargani (Biology, ‘26)
My time in the ICB has been reflective, informative, and inspiring. The institute’s mission of bridging healthcare to underserved and uninsured populations in the Philadelphia area has been gratifying to be a part of. From coordinating the mobile and rural teams, the blueberry farms for the Haitian community, Grasso fields with the migrant workers, and BIPOC in Kensington, there has never been a dull moment. There is always room to learn and grow at every health promoter while embracing the Jesuit values. I want to thank Fr. Clark, Steven, and the entire ICB staff for the opportunities to build the vital skills that I have learned. I plan to carry them with me as an EMT and future Physician Assistant.
Timothy Trapp (Biomedical Sciences, ‘26)
My time in the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has defined my undergraduate experience in ways I could never have imagined. I will forever cherish the opportunities I have had as a fellow. Being able to participate in the Health Promoter program has been invaluable to my future career, as I learned how to practice medicine through an interdisciplinary approach. Additionally, learning the importance of medical ethics through journal clubs, lecture case studies, and the National Bioethics Bowl will help me provide the best possible care to my future patients. I thank Father Clark and the ICB staff for their guidance throughout these four years and for surrounding me with like-minded, hardworking individuals.
Gina Gazzara (Biology ‘26)
My time as a fellow in the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been an experience I will always be grateful for. During my time as a coordinator for the African Health Promoter Program, I feel that I was able to meet amazing people in the community and form connections with individuals that I would have never met otherwise. I was able to further develop my clinical experience and define my priorities that I want to uphold when I become a physician. This position has helped me to grow both personally and professionally, and I plan to take my experiences and the lessons I learned as I further my education by obtaining my master’s degree this year while also applying to medical schools during this time.
Sydney Wynn (Biology, ‘26)
My time with the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been a transformative part of my undergraduate journey at SJU. The ICB provided a vital space for me to ground my medical aspirations in real-world service and ethics while balancing the demands of being a pre-medical student and athlete. Working directly with the communities across Philadelphia showed me that medicine is about so much more than just science, it is about human connection. These lessons in empathy and advocacy will remain central to my career path as I move forward. I am profoundly grateful to every person involved with the institute. Thank you for the opportunity. Following graduation, I plan to work as a Medical Assistant, gain further research during my gap years, and apply to medical school.
Emma Anderson (Biology, ‘26)
Being a fellow in the ICB has opened my eyes to so much happening in the world, especially right next door. During my time in the ICB, I was able to serve as Lead Coordinator for the African Health Promoter Program and gain valuable medical knowledge while working on the Wound Care Team. These positions provided me with leadership experience and a better understanding of the barriers faced by individuals of lower socioeconomic status when trying to access healthcare. It has motivated me to continue serving impoverished communities whenever I can. The ICB has provided me with so many opportunities for personal and professional growth, and it has been an unforgettable experience.
Ean Hudak (Biomedical Sciences, ‘26)
Words truly cannot describe how impactful the ICB has been on both my career and personal growth. Although I only joined the ICB in my junior year, I accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time. Working with the most marginalized populations in the Philadelphia region opened my eyes to the disparities that people face in healthcare and beyond, making me better prepared for my future career. Establishing the wound care clinic with the EMTs profoundly impacted my education by teaching me more than a classroom ever could about how to interact with and advocate for individuals living with substance use disorders. My most impactful memory with the ICB was in Costa Rica, running the Health Promoter Program in La Carpio. I witnessed first-hand the disparities among the Nicaraguan refugees living in La Carpio and the differences experienced by citizens living under universal health care. I would like to thank the ICB staff for their guidance and endless support throughout my education because, without the staff and fellows, I would not be where I am today.
Tara Miller (Chemical Biology, ‘29)
My involvement in the ICB made my time at Saint Joe’s feel complete in a way I had not realized I was missing. I came to understand how Jesuit values, particularly meeting people where they are and caring for the whole person, can strengthen healthcare settings. I was continually inspired by the dedication of ICB fellows and staff to addressing healthcare issues, thoughtfully planning each health promoter, and their unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone feels seen and cared for. Next year, I will carry these lessons and memories with me as I begin medical school at California Northstate University College of Medicine.
Prenin George (Pharmacy, ‘26)
Being a part of the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been a rewarding experience both personally and professionally. Through my involvement with the ICB, I learned the importance of patient advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, and research. By engaging with diverse underserved communities, we implemented a pharmacy-driven immunization clinic for flu and COVID vaccines at all Health Promoter Programs, directly addressing access to care. I was able to highlight these unique experiences during my pharmacy residency interviews, where interviewers were impressed by my involvement. These opportunities not only helped me stand out as a candidate but also contributed to my success in securing a Post Graduate Year One residency. I want to thank Father Clark, Steven Silver, and the rest of the ICB community for their support throughout the years.
Josh Frantz (Exercise Physiology, ‘26)
Though I only joined as a fellow in my senior year, the ICB has profoundly shaped my college experience. From running a Health Promoter Program in Costa Rica to providing wound care in Kensington, I have had the privilege of doing work that simply cannot be found elsewhere. These experiences have challenged me to become a more confident and compassionate person, the kind of physician I hope to one day become. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship of Father Clark and the opportunity to learn alongside such exceptional students. The ICB doesn’t just talk about caring for others; it embodies it. I look forward to continuing this mission as a graduate fellow throughout my journey into medicine.
Tyler Wojnar (Biology, ‘26)
Joining the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been one of the most impactful decisions I have made in my career. I always knew I wanted to pursue medicine, but my experiences at the wound care clinic and Health Promoter Program opened my eyes to what it truly means to serve others. Working with underserved communities has allowed me to become more empathetic and to better understand the barriers many individuals face in accessing healthcare. I would like to thank the ICB fellows and staff for the opportunities that have supported my growth. This summer, I plan to apply to medical school and carry these experiences with me as I continue my journey in medicine.