2011 Scholarship Entry #28: Katie Wilson

Healthcare around the world and even throughout the nation is not equal. Depending on where you live your access to quality medical care when you are in need varies substantially. A disease which is easily treated in one area may cause death in another area. Many people die unnecessarily especially children in third world countries. I believe this is a problem, in which is many things can be done to improve the current situation.

I am currently going to university completing a biochemistry degree, with plans to get into medical school. I hope with this career to be able to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. I have already started making choices that will help me achieve this goal and be able to help those without quality access to medical care.

Locally, I have organized a coin drive to raise money for a cancer clinic in Canmore. This clinic would help those fighting cancer be able to be closer to home during treatment and prevent them from having to travel over an hour to and from Calgary a few times a week for treatment. In this coin drive, ran in my high school, we raised about $3000 for this clinic. This is one of many volunteer projects I participated in through, being chair of student council, leadership class, a local youth group called Soul SERViours and many other volunteer projects throughout the community. All of my volunteer efforts have been recognized through nominations in my local youth volunteer award in both 2005 and 2009, as well as a Rotary service award in 2010 and many other local awards.

Also this summer, I am one of six from the University of Lethbridge chosen to go to El Salvador to participate in The Flying Doctor's of Canada- Doctor's of Tomorrow program. In this program we shadow the doctor's while they are providing quality health care to those less fortunate gaining essential skills that will be helpful for a medical career. We also will provide health education to those accessing the clinic services, and finally we also will participate in community development projects. Both the health education and the community development projects are an essential part of the project to provide quality health care in El Salvador as they tackle many of the health problems at the root providing a safer environment and knowledge to the people of El Salvador. As I continue my education I hope to be able to get more involved in projects like this, and maybe even start my own organization in the future.

Volunteering makes a difference!