Student Reflections
Students are the foundation of the Culture & Health minor. Their determination, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning are as integral to the success of the program as the hard work and experience of the faculty and college. Here, read what a few of our alumni have to say about their experiences in the program.
Hebah Al-Khateeb
ETSU Class of 2021
"As I was preparing my application for medical school, Dr. Schrift’s pre-health practicum course was the perfect learning environment for me to self-reflect, push my comfort levels, and engage in speaking about difficult issues. What distinguishes her from other teachers is, she teaches students to value their voice. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be her student."
University of Tennessee Medical Center, Class of 2025
April Bledsoe
ETSU Class of 2018
"Before taking the Culture & Health minor, I thought environmental justice was secondary to issues like healthcare. I now live in Maine, investigating soil and groundwater contamination. Though the minor led me away from a direct career in healthcare, I love that I have the privilege of doing work that helps ensure access to safe drinking water."
Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Geology Technician
Master of Arts in Geosciences, ETSU 2020
Tiffani Carrasco
ETSU Class of 2015
"Through the Culture and Health minor, I was exposed to courses and topics that the hard sciences could never offer me. Beyond the courses, meeting Dr. Schrift opened the doors to a new family at the University. Dr. Schrift has become one of the most influential people in my academic career and my future medical career."
Research Administrator, Stanford University School of Medicine
Elayna Chavis
ETSU Class of 2023
“The Culture and Health minor taught me how to see the person behind the patient, molding me to become a better healthcare provider. Mentors like Dr. Schrift helped me realize my full potential in the medical field and showed me how to see every piece of a patient’s background to better comprehend the whole.”
Master of Public Health, ETSU 2024
Samuel Garcia-Olmos
ETSU Class of 2022
"These courses have allowed me to examine how culture molds health in different areas around the world. Each facet of culture impacts how we communicate, treat, and dismiss patients. My courses have prepared me to encounter a wide variety of people in the future and allow me to give them the proper care based on their cultural needs."
ETSU Elevates & Roan Scholar; Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship; Appalachian Highlands 20 Under 20
Ethan Galloway
ETSU Class of 2022
"Dr. Schrift and I both agreed that cultural competency played a key role in a provider's ability to relate to and understand their patients. I will be a better provider because of the training I have received as a part of this minor because I have listened to and learned about many diverse populations, a first-hand look into the struggles they face."
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2026
CASA of NorthEast TN; Court Appointed Special advocate for Children; TN Higher Ed.
Commission; Student Commissioner
Blakeley Griffin
ETSU Class of 2020
"I was inspired by these courses and by Dr. Schrift to pursue looking into global health. I ended up getting to go on a trip to Bolivia with ETSU students, where I was able to experience many of the concepts taught in class. I hope to take with me the information I learned in the Culture and Health minor when treating future patients."
Quillen College of Medicine, Class of 2026
Victoria Howard
Class of 2015
"Sipping chai tea with monks, teetering on the edge of the Rohtang Pass, and being immersed in a culture that contrasted my East Tennessee life, religion, clothing, and traditions gave me a peek into just how big our world is with so many wonderful people and perspectives. This work affirmed my desire to be an optometrist to change lives by improving sight."
Optometrist & Co-Owner, Family Eyecare Center, PLLC
Southern College of Optometry
Aliza Ishrat
ETSU Class of 2020
"The minor provided many pathways and horizons that broadened with every new lesson. A conversation starter, enhancer, and highlighter, every part of the minor integrated issues in the society, economy, and medicine. These constructs remained as I worked to support healthcare in Muslim communities and I begin medical school."
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia, Class of 2027
Hannah Martin
ETSU class of 2023
"These courses developed my capacity for empathy, cultural humility, and self-reflection. The 'hard sciences' challenged me academically throughout my undergraduate years, but the medical humanities taught me the importance of caring for mental and spiritual health as I would any physical illness. Through these courses, I realized new passions, strengths, and weaknesses and I would encourage every pre-health student to take Culture and Health!"
Emory and Henry College, Physician Assistant Studies, Class of 2027
Rosie McVeigh
ETSU Class of 2018
"The Culture and Health program helped me find my path in food access and sustainability. It inspired my deep dive into all things food systems and now I work at the Appalachian Resource & Conservation Development Council educating those around me about the importance of local food and agriculture."
Agriculture Education Director,
Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council
Mandy Nutter
ETSU Class of 2019
"In 2019, I took a Pre-Health Practicum with Dr. Schrift, connecting me to my first research experience at ETSU Family Medicine Clinic. She was always honest and supportive, allowing her students to explore their dreams as well as their concerns in an open and safe environment. She has helped so many students realize their goals and achieve their full potential!"
MA Candidate in Counseling, Mental Health Concentration, ETSU 2022
Shivam Patel
ETSU Class of 2022
"I was drawn to the Culture and Health minor for the intersectionality of medicine and culture. Didactic classes such as Medical Anthropology exposed me to a variety of health practices, helping me understand how cultures influence one's perception of their own health and the health of those around them."
MD Candidate, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Class of 2027
Roan Scholar
Mary-Catherine Rush
ETSU Class of 2018
"My introduction to the degree and minor began with a summer study-abroad program coordinated by Dr. Schrift. I have come to understand how much we can learn from studying healthcare around the world. My work with Dr. Schrift provided me with the tools, experiences, and resources I needed to be a successful applicant."
Instructor of Public Health, Western Kentucky University
Johns Hopkins Univeristy, School of Public Health
Master of Public Health
Afreen Siddiqui
ETSU Class of 2021
"The Culture & Health Minor allowed me to explore cross cultural differences & cultural competency in healthcare. The way Dr. Schrift intertwined medicine & healthcare was fascinating & eye-opening. I was instantly drawn to her enthusiasm, knowledge & unwavering support. She has been an amazing mentor, teacher, & friend!"
Quillen College of Medicine, Class of 2025
Michael D. Stallard
ETSU Class of 2015
"I first met Dr. Schrift as we prepared to embark on our journey to India via HHE. The cultural, medical, and social experiences still influence my practice to this day. The confidence I gained has pushed me to take on challenges I would have otherwise shied away from. Dr. Schrift and the rest of the team provide an unparalleled experience."
Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Orthopedic Surgery
Quillen College of Medicine, Class of 2019
sophia tunny
Class of 2020
"Culture & Health helps you learn about your own implicit bias and how you can be a more well-rounded, culturally competent individual in the future. It helped me realize that being a physician is not just about making the right clinical diagnosis, but also about taking the time to speak with each of my patients about their lifestyle, beliefs, and desires for treatment."
Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Class of 2024
Taylor Wilson
ETSU Class of 2019
"One of our class activities was to 'free-write' on our favorite book. Dr. Schrift told me I had just written my personal statement for admission to medical school. Every person that I interviewed with for admission to medical school commented on my personal statement, and I am beyond thankful for the Pre-Health Seminar course and Dr. Schrift for helping me achieve my dream."
Oncology Chair, VCOM Ambassador
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas, Class of 2024
Samuel Wisecarver
ETSU Class of 2018
"In the Culture & Health minor everything is a conglomeration of knowledge that forms a better understanding of the world around me instead of a collection of partial knowledge. Dr. Schrift has been one of my greatest mentors. She was there at the very beginning of my journey at ETSU, and I knew I could count on her throughout my education."
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Class of 2026