Shaiyan Sanchez

Cultural Anthropology & Nursing

I am passionate about baking, traveling the world, and engaging in meaningful conversations with diverse individuals. My interests lie in international health, focusing on how health systems outside the United States operate and serve their citizens. I am dedicated to serving underfunded communities, with a particular emphasis on maternal healthcare. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of maternal health, women's bodies, and high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, I am committed to improving geriatric health and addressing the issue of lonely deaths.
   
A journey in healthcare is not easy. There are many paths to follow and many hard challenges to navigate, which can be confusing at times. I was able to gain experience in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at Howard University, where I acquired skills in pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and nursing. Volunteering with Duke HELP Desk allowed me to support patients in the Duke Emergency Department, Endocrine Department, and Lincoln Health Center, broadening my clinical and administrative experience. Working in a nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic taught me the importance of compassionate care for vulnerable populations.
   
My position as a lab assistant at Duke University Medical School provided me with a solid foundation in laboratory techniques and research methodologies. Outside of healthcare, I have participated in clothing drives in Philadelphia and food drives to support those in poverty.
   
I love traveling and seeing new cultures along with experiencing new adventures. In Italy, I had new experiences that enriched my understanding of different cultures and healthcare systems, highlighting the importance of integrating hospital needs with community needs.
   
My future goals include working in hospitals alongside underrepresented communities, focusing on maternal healthcare and geriatric health. I aspire to create resources and implement programs that address the unique needs of these populations. My ultimate vision is to own a bakery, nursing homes, shelters, and centers for teen mothers and mothers in general that need support. Through these creations I want to give opportunities to people in need of careers and a fresh start; incarcerated men and women, recovering addicts, careers for the youth, a open door for people to gain insight and experience to see what they are interested in. Through these endeavors, I hope to make a lasting impact on healthcare and community well-being.