Perspective from the Virtuous Healer Honor Society: Meet Amanda Alejo
As the nomination cycle for the Virtuous Healer Honor Society comes to a close, current members shared their reflections on being involved in VHHS.
Get to know VHHS Student Member, Amanda Alejo, M4!
What is VHHS?
VHHS is an honor society here at NEOMED that is composed of members (both students and faculty!) who demonstrate various attributes of a virtuous healer, including altruism, compassion, curiosity, generosity, humility, justice and moral imagination.
How did you hear about VHHS?
I heard about VHHS through one of their awesome events, the Teddy Care Clinic, as well as through social medial posts!
What is your favorite part about being a VHHS member?
I think there is a great sense of community associated with being a member of VHHS. I love being able to collaborate with classmates and faculty to work on ideas for the future of the organization, community outreach and further propel the mission of VHHS forward in the NEOMED community, which is overall such a rewarding experience.
How does it help you as a student?
Serving as a good physician requires a balance of both clinical and humanistic qualities. While we have significant exposure to improving our clinical skills throughout our time here at NEOMED, I believe that VHHS gives us another opportunity to shape our identity as compassionate physician leaders within our community. We are never too early in our career to begin thinking about what kind of physician we hope to become, and I believe the virtues that VHHS appreciates are valuable to this development as a medical student. Also, as an M4, it definitely feels like a full circle moment to end our time here at NEOMED with a lasting impact and contribution that is designed to be meaningful for our community.
How can students join VHHS?
Interested students are invited to apply to VHHS after being nominated by both peers and a faculty member who believe they demonstrate the ideals of a virtuous healer. Applications are then reviewed and assessed based on alignment between the student and the principles of VHHS.