Chiquita Anna Palha De Sousa

Chiquita_palha_de_sousa

“Growing up in Zimbabwe has had an underlying influence on my medical ambitions. In addition to admiration for my father and his medical career, I witnessed suffering in desperate circumstances.”

  • Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Manning, Alberta
  • Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Age: 23

Biography

PROFILE: Chiquita Palha De Sousa has shadowed physicians in Zimbabwe and Canada, worked in a pediatric oncology ward in the UK, gained exposure in public health through an externship in Maryland, and engaged in clinical research observing urological robotic and laparoscopic surgical procedures at Duke University. “These experiences have reinforced my dedication to becoming a physician with expertise in public health.”
Chiquita grew up in Zimbabwe, where her father served as a rural doctor, volunteering in a rural community and where she was inspired by his work. “Despite my desire to become a physician, my parents encouraged my diverse interests in art, dance, and music.” Ever since the age of four when she won her first art prize, Chiquita has relished art as a means of communicating her thoughts and emotions. That outlet has given her a means of conveying the suffering of African orphans, as featured in a recent exhibition of her work. In the future, she hopes that by selling her art, she can fund her medical outreach initiatives.
INSPIRATION: Until AIDS impacted the family of a domestic worker for Chiquita’s family, it had been an abstraction for her. But after seeing the death of a beautiful young woman who was the mother of two young children, she was struck not only by the suffering but by the difficulties for those left behind. That experience still motivates her to practice medicine to this day.
ASPIRATION: Chiquita plans to become a physician, focusing on public health.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Chiquita has volunteered with Third Street Alliance, a homeless shelter for women and children. She has also been active in music and choir, and with the International Student Organization.
ACCOLADES: At Lafayette College, Chiquita received the Schwimmer Prize, awarded to the premed student who best represents the humanitarian, cultural, and scientific qualities required for the profession. She also won the Hunt Prize for the most deserving biology seniors.
INTERESTING FACT: Accomplished in dance and choreography, Chiquita was president of SynchroMotion, a student-run dance club.

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