Naima Thavory Joseph

UConn School of Medicine

As an undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame, I established the Haiti Working Group in which we addressed Haitian health issues by collaborating with students and professors in the fields of industrial engineering, graphic design, anthropology, theology and biology.  The group engaged in problem-solving which incorporated an awareness of the unique geography of Haiti, its culture, the biomechanics of disease transmission, and other factors.  Consequently, I recognize that the proper delivery and success of health care are contingent on teamwork.  I champion the forward outlook of the Urban Service Track program, and am impressed that we students, from various health disciplines, are engaged to address the specific health challenges of those living in urban and underserved communities.

I am a first-year medical student, who was born in Norwalk, CT to Haitian immigrants.  My diversity stems from my traits as a minority, a female, a trilingual, and a first generation American, as well as from the wealth of experiences I have self-initiated in order to mold and broaden my own perspective.  I formed a club dedicated to increasing awareness about global disease; lived and studied in France; volunteered with the AmeriCorps program at a primary care clinic serving the uninsured; led an annual forum focused on women’s workplace roles; and researched the elimination of infectious disease in poor countries and urban communities.  I continue to develop the observational, intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and compassionate skill sets necessary to medicine.  My contributions to the Urban Service Track derive from cumulative lessons learned from these experiences.  My leadership, resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges hopefully will strengthen my resolve and dedication as a physician and advocate for the vulnerable and poor.