Lauren Grace Himes
Lauren Grace grew up in Nashville, TN, but moved to North Carolina to attend Davidson College. Some of her favorite college memories resulted from research abroad—in Masaya, Nicaragua and Dusseldorf, Germany. It was during these abroad experiences that she first began to dream of practicing international medicine. She graduated from Davidson in 2018, with a B.S. in Chemistry and Hispanic Studies. After graduating, she moved to Winston-Salem to attend Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSOM). As a medical student, Lauren Grace has helped co-chair the Service Learning Scholars Program, served as an editor of the Oasis Literary Magazine, interpreted at the Shalom Project Clinic and participated in the WFSOM Global Health Certificate Program. After spending four years playing varsity soccer at Davidson, she does not sit still for long and breaks up her studying with many outdoor activities. Additionally, she loves to explore new places, making her even more humbled and excited to accept the ASTMH Benjamin H. Kean Fellowship.
Nipah Virus knowledge, attitudes, and risk perception among health care providers in South India
5/24/2019 - 7/11/2019
India
What does the Kean Fellowship mean to you?
The Kean Fellowship represents a pivotal opportunity in my journey to become a globally-minded clinician and scholar. I am excited to follow in the footsteps of leading tropical medicine specialists and dedicate myself toward global healthcare improvement. Without the support of the Kean, my summer research project would have been limited by finances, and I am so grateful for the chance to fully commit myself to studying Nipah virus.
What do you anticipate learning?
Nipah virus continues to pose a significant public health threat due to its nondescript symptoms and multiple modes of transmission. In fact, despite renewed efforts to recognize, treat and monitor Nipah, a 2019 case was recently announced in Kerala 1. My survey will be conducted in the city of Mangalore, in the state of Karnataka, which neighbors Kerala. I hypothesize that healthcare providers (HCPs) in Mangalore will be aware of Nipah virus and its typical symptoms, but will underestimate its remaining public health burden and likelihood to re-appear. It is also expected that HCPs will not be well prepared to care for patients and will demonstrate stigmatized attitudes toward Nipah Virus infection and treatment, due to its high infectivity, severe clinical consequences and potential mortality.
On a different note, I also anticipate experiencing personal growth in response to the inevitable obstacles associated with international research. I feel prepared to overcome such challenges because of the guidance of my wonderful on-site and U.S. mentors, who are leading scientific experts and seasoned researchers. Furthermore, I know I will learn from the healthcare providers that I encounter and am excited to broaden my approach to clinical medicine as a result. Finally, I am grateful for all the non-academic learning that is wrapped into such an opportunity as this—from fostering relationships to exploring Mangalore and the surrounding areas. I look forward to learning my time immersed in a new culture.
1 Unnithan, PS Gopikrishnan and Jacob, Jeemon. “Nipah virus case confirmed by Kerala govt, 86 people under observation.” India Today. 4 June 2019. Web. 12 June 2019.
What interests you about tropical medicine and what problems are you interested in solving?
While I was living in Masaya, Nicaragua, I read the biography of Paul Farmer’s life and work titled Mountains Beyond Mountains. This book changed my perspective on medicine, upstream factors of health, and how physicians can meet the needs of neglected populations abroad. I am inspired to open a clinic that meets the holistic needs of each patient, similar to Dr. Farmer’s clinic in Zamni Lasante, Haiti. Furthermore, my work on Nipah virus has allowed me to hone this vision and realize that I am also interested in improving the recognition, treatment and perception of preventable communicable diseases. Ultimately, I am motivated to improve the care and treatment options for patients with stigmatized diseases endemic to tropical regions.