I was in Nashville, TN at Vanderbilt University the last week of August to start work on my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. It was really wonderful to see some of the great programs the Vanderbilt Medical Center has for the disadvantaged populations that function with the School of Nursing and Vanderbilt Medical School.  Because of the great education I received at Georgetown for my Master’s degree I was able to bypass some of the required classes for my DNP and focus on electives. Currently I am seeking my certificate in Global Health Disparities and working with an international group to plan a medical mission trip next summer. My husband is a nurse anesthetist and we hope to make the trip together.

I am in the process of transitioning to a new place of employment, Genesee Community Health Center.  This is a clinic similar to the one I was previously working at, but is a nurse-managed community health clinic. The clinic offers some really great programs for our community, including a Vivitrol clinic for those addicted to opiates.  This is a huge problem in our community.  Here is the link for the Washington Post article that talks a little more about the medication and the growing epidemic, especially in Michigan. I will also be working with a Mobile Medical Unit to deliver care to the homeless population in our area and those patients with limited access to transportation.

On a personal level, my family is doing well. My oldest son just turned 12 and played in his last youth football game. I am thankful every day to the Foundation for giving me the freedom to pursue my academic and professional goals while still allowing me to be involved in these wonderful moments.  For the first time, I will be able to have the day off to attend their Halloween parade at school, which is so important since it will be my oldest son’s last year in elementary school.

– aleisha rosso, 2016 elb foundation fellow

Aleisha and her classmates at Vanderbilt University