Student
Madeline Deanne
When she met Creighton students and faculty, Madeline saw they lived out the Jesuit values they talked about, namely seeking justice in the world and caring for the whole person.
Madeline Deanne came to Creighton after seeing people at Creighton clearly living out the Jesuit values she had heard about. She also became interested in the brand-new Arrupe Global Scholars Program, which focuses on health equity and awards both Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees in five years.
Here’s what Madeline had to say about Creighton and the program.
What brought you to Creighton?
- Their Jesuit education principles were not just there symbolically – it was obvious that students and staff kept their word when it came to seeking justice in the world and caring for the whole person.
What made you want to get into medicine?
- I decided to pursue medicine after traveling to Thailand to visit a family friend. While there, I met an American doctor who created and ran a physician assistant school for the Karen people, an ethnic group that has experienced conflict in Myanmar. This doctor took the gift of his education and used it to both heal and empower people who have experienced some of the darkest, most unfair circumstances that humankind has allowed to happen.
This experience got me interested in global healthcare and inspired me to use my education to uplift others and fight for a society where everyone can strive to reach their fullest potential.
What has your experience in the Arrupe Global Scholars Program been like so far?
- My experience with the program has been wonderful. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by peers and faculty who seek the good in others and who are curious, conscientious and passionate.
Can you tell us what you did during your two-week orientation in the Dominican Republic?
- We learned from physicians and other professionals, patients, health promotors and the staff at Creighton’s ILAC facility. I took home a meaningful memory with diabetes clinic patient. As she shared about how complications of diabetes affected her, it was clear that the ILAC clinic’s attention to her physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs was instrumental in her positive outlook on life. This experience brought to light how the Jesuit value of cura personalis is essential to the practice of medicine.
What are your long-term goals?
- My hope for the world is for people to treat others with the dignity and respect that they would want for themselves or their loved ones in times of great need. We never know when we might one day need to rely on the generosity of others to get out of a bad situation. When we can take this seriously, individually and collectively, I believe our society will be much better off.
