Name: Lindsay Merriman

Title of Program: Exploring the Relationship Between War, Structural Violence, and Health

E-mail Address: lmerrim1@utk.edu

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Year: Sophomore

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2010

Description of Program: I am studying war and African cultures from within various schools of thought in order to explore causes and consequences of conflict in Africa and its effects on public health. In this context, my program explores the relationship between areas of armed conflict and health care. Special emphasis is given to exploring effects of structural violence in para-conflict circumstances.

Departmental Emphases: Anthropology, Political Science, Religious Studies

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rosalind Hackett (Religious Studies)

Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): I plan to seek enrollment in a dual MD/MPH program with a global concentration, specializing in acute trauma surgery. Ultimately, I wish to work as a surgeon, perhaps with a non-governmental organization, in war-torn areas. I would especially like to work with Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders).

Other Academic Interests: Global Health, Languages (I am learning French and plan to learn Creole, Swahili, and Arabic), Global Studies, International Politics

International Experience: In summer 2008 I lived in Accra, Ghana for three months working in a general hospital and local orphanage. I also did a bit of research at the Liberian refugee camp in Buduburam, Ghana. Near the end of my trip, I joined a group of doctors from Oak Ridge, TN to run a two day clinic during which we saw 1,000 patients. While there, I also traveled throughout Ghana, Togo, and Burkina Faso.
In mid-September, I had the opportunity to participate in a medical trip to Leogane, Haiti. During four days of mobile clinics, out team was able to bring health care to 800 patients who do not normally have adequate access to health care.
In December 2008, I traveled to Uganda and Rwanda to scout international service-learning opportunities.

Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: Advanced pharmacy technician-Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center; Co-founder/President-American Medical Student Association Pre-medical Chapter at UTK; The Jazz for Justice Project; Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honors Society; Chancellor's Honors Program; Amnesty International, Mortar Board

Quotes I live by: There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. Nelson Mandela

The role of physicians and other health workers in the preservation and promotion of peace is the most significant factor for the attainment of health for all. World Health Assembly, Resolution 34.38, 1981