The Institute of Clinical Bioethics is proud to celebrate the graduation of 6 seniors: Joseph Kelly, Alexandra Colman, Nicholas Sanders, Davina Odeh, Isabella Stefanic, and Sarah Oduwole. They will graduate next week from Saint Joseph’s University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Congratulations!
Joseph Kelly’s Reflection
“Over the last three years, the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has pushed me to become the best version of myself in everything that I do. It has been the place where I have matured and really found out about who I am as a team member and leader. The ICB has certainly elevated my SJU experience not only professionally but also personally and through the Institute I have made lasting friendships. Any young SJU student looking at a career in healthcare would be doing themselves a disservice to not get involved sooner. Next year I will be starting at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.”
Alex Colman’s Reflection
“During my time as a Fellow at the Institute of Clinical Bioethics, I have gained an invaluable understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, its flaws, and the ways in which we, as future medical providers, can improve the system for all those who fall through its cracks. As a coordinator for the BIPOC health promoter in Kensington, Philadelphia, I have received first-hand experience into the realities of the opioid epidemic as it continues to devastate the lives of thousands across the nation. The BIPOC promoter, which sees a diverse population of underserved individuals, was instrumental in my decision to pursue a medical education. Although it is not always easy to understand the impacts of our health promoter program on those who have experienced so much suffering in their lives, I know that each individual who enters the clinic will receive the utmost care and respect from our volunteers, which is more than they would receive elsewhere. As fellows, we have the incredible opportunity to give a voice to a population that is so often ignored by society. I would not trade this experience for anything. As I leave Saint Joe’s, I am beyond grateful for all of the opportunities and support I have received from the ICB. In the upcoming months, I will be applying to medical school, where I plan to use the many lessons I have learned as a fellow to grow as a medical professional.”
Nick Sanders’ Reflection
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years in the Institute of Clinical Bioethics as it has given me the opportunity to meet and learn from an exceptional team of peers and mentors. While I am not on the pre-med route, I still was able to partake in research and have a good experience in the ICB given my environmental background. I am a coordinator on the Frames to Go and African Health Promoter projects. This has given me the chance to serve communities in El Salvador by providing prescription eyeglasses as well as communities in the local Philadelphia area by providing preventative healthcare to underserved populations, respectively. Apart from the research projects, I appreciated participating in the discussions on medical case studies examining the different ethical approaches to a particular issue. The ICB provided me with valuable insight on ethical-based decision-making skills that I can take into my future career.
After graduation, I will be working as a seagrass monitoring technician on Cape Cod. I will collect seed samples and map suitable areas for seagrass restoration. I plan on pursuing an advanced degree in the environmental field after gaining more work experience. I would like to thank all those who made my experience as a Fellow memorable.”
Davina Odeh’s Reflection
“I think the most important thing I’ve learned as a Fellow in the Institute of Clinical Bioethics is the power of impressions. It’s easy for those in the medical field (or those aspiring to be) to get caught up in what one famous surgeon called “The Riddle”, or the tendency of health care workers to see patients as merely a summation of health problems meant to be solved. Yet with every Health Promoter I attend, whether I’m handing out prenatal vitamins or measuring a person’s blood sugar, I am reminded of the amazing stories each person has. Even the research papers we write attest to this fact – any health problem or medical procedure a Fellow could ever cover is simply a glimpse into the lives of people and the issues they face. Our impressions directly impact the individuals we interact with, and I am so thankful to the ICB for creating opportunities to understand this. I plan to take this mindset with me to medical school, and I pray that I have the strength to carry these lessons with me all the days of my life.”
Izzy Stefanic’s Reflection
“As the current chapter of my life draws to a close, I am overwhelmed with a sense of appreciation for the journey that led me here. Reflecting on my time at Saint Joseph’s University, my fellowship with the Institute of Clinical Bioethics is by far my most impactful experience. Over the last four years, I have blossomed into a well-rounded, driven individual that I am proud to be. Such growth is largely due to my work within the ICB. I learned the importance of professionalism through mentorship, connecting with community partners, and working alongside medical professionals. I strengthened my leadership, amongst both peers and professionals, through my roles as the Asian Health Promoter Lead Coordinator and the Fellows Advisory Board Chair. However, it is the less measurable qualities that I value most. Through the ICB and Health Promoter Program I have developed an appreciation for solidarity, patient-centered holistic care, community service, and preventive medicine. I am so grateful to take these values with me as I pursue my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University!!!”
Sarah Oduwole’s Reflection
“My time as a Fellow at the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been profoundly impactful. I learned the importance of being “men and women for and with others” and how to put those words into action through coordinating and attending many Health Promoters, specifically the Hispanic Health Promoters. This experience taught me what it means to treat people with dignity and respect by dedicating my Saturday mornings to providing others with free clinical services. I also enjoyed learning about ethics, theology, and philosophy and how these different disciplines are crucial for making ethical decisions in medicine. Engaging in various interdisciplinary research projects in bioethics has challenged my view of the medical field and offered me a new perspective. I believe that the Institute of Clinical Bioethics prepares healthcare professionals to be effective leaders in healthcare, medicine, and society. I feel well prepared for the future ahead. After graduation, I plan to pursue my Master’s in Biology and attend medical school to become a surgeon.”