Amazing student: Samantha Summers

Biology/Psychology double-major Samantha Summers explains her passion about “integrating sustainability in health care on both individual and systems levels,” and her plans as a doctor to improve the health literacy disparity in Georgia and beyond:

Sustainability focuses on living in a way conscious of the generations of tomorrow. Unfortunately, many hear “sustainable” and tune out believing it to be only about climate change. However, sustainability has a place in health care in so many ways. For instance, air quality is changing in relation to climate change and energy usage. These changes can have an effect on both individual and population health. Sustainability also applies to health care in terms of the nutrition choices individuals make. I am currently pursuing this passion by earning a Certificate in Sustainability along with my undergraduate degrees. This semester, I am working with a team on a sustainability capstone to increase use of the Latin American Ethnobotanical Garden space. If given the opportunity, I would love to pursue a dual MD/MPH degree after completing my undergraduate coursework. As for now, I try to make the most sustainable choices for myself and encourage friends, roommates and family to do the same.

Great people with heart and a broad consciousness to inform positive change is what Franklin College is all about. Congratulations and best of luck, Samantha.