Academic Leader: Dr. Lisa Moreno
Site Mentor: Dr. Hannah Florida, Dr. Lauren Sustle
site: ECU Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit
Siriprap and Whitfield are initiating cardiovascular health interventions for patients at the ECU’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with an emphasis on individualized goal setting, nutrition education, health behaviors and community support.
Siriprap, a second-year medical student from Mooresville, said his passion for the project stemmed from watching his father’s diabetes progress.
“After following his journey and realizing the impact that chronic cardiovascular disease is having on many people in rural areas, I decided to start a project to address this unmet need that appeared in my own life. decided to push forward,” she said.
Whitfield, a second-year medical student from Durham, said the project would address ongoing support from hospital to home.
“While in the hospital, patients are provided with regimes, nutritional counseling, convenient healthy eating, therapies such as physical and occupational therapy, and support from hospital staff. Patients feel isolated and helpless in their situation,” Dr. Whitfield said. “Patients currently find it difficult to make lasting change. We want to support individuals in a holistic way and help them feel confident in their ability to take care of their own health.”
NCASF is sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina, Delta Dental, North Carolina, Duke University School of Medicine, ECU Brody School of Medicine, North Carolina Regional Health Education Center, North Carolina Central University Graduate School, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, North Carolina Oral Health Cooperative, UNC Interprofessional Office of Education Practice, ECU Health, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, and Private Donor.
NCASF began in 1994 as a local chapter of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, a national non-profit organization that has trained more than 600 healthcare leaders. Nationwide, more than 4,000 U.S. Schweitzer Fellows continue to serve individuals and communities in need, formulate health policy, and provide direct service.
