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Autumn Kieber-Emmons

Biography

The desire to help heal people has always been a major force in Autumn's life. She was introduced to medicine through her mother, a nurse, and her own experience with Graves' disease. Her interest has deepened through her studies and volunteer and work experience.

Autumn wants to be an integral part of making the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' vision of 100 percent access and 0 percent health disparities a reality, by pursuing medicine as a primary care physician caring for underserved populations. This will enable her to form personal relationships with patients and families and place their health in a social, economic, and cultural context.

And she is on her way: One recent summer was spent in Oaxaca, Mexico, serving with a Medical Mission Sister, learning about affordable herbal and alternative medicine and traveling to remote villages to give health education workshops. Autumn concluded that medicine is not just about physical health, but also psychological, mental, and spiritual health, and has begun to create her personal view of medicine as a holistic and culturally sensitive way of serving those in need.

As Student Coordinator for Healthcare for the Loyola College Center for Values and Services, Autumn expanded the position. Previously, the position was primarily a referral source for students who want to volunteer in a health care setting. Autumn created new opportunities for students to be educated about health care and social justice on a national and international level. Another significant contribution was her initiation and development of a medical translation program for low-income Spanish-speaking people who use a city clinic. She was the Center's Student Employee of the Year for 2001-2002.

Autumn was also part of the student planning group to reform the Loyola chapter of J.U.S.T.I.C.E, the Jesuit club for issues of advocacy and social justice. She was subsequently elected president. She commented, "I am finally beginning to realize that one leads by example, and that a good leader needs to inspire others to develop their leadership skills as well. I hope to continue cultivating these types of skills to inspire, motivate, and guide others for change."

After becoming a doctor, Autumn sees herself working in a community health clinic for underserved and immigrant populations, whether to alleviate the suffering of poor neighbors in East Baltimore, people living on the street, or starving African children.
 

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