NASHVILLE, Tenn. Jabári Ichimura, the newest team member to join the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA), hopes to benefit the community while serving as Clinical Research Coordinator III.
“I definitely want involvement with the community, to relate my work to the people that it’s helping,” he said.
Professional background
Ichimura comes to the MVA after spending two years at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) working for Clinical Trials Shared Resources. Before that, he was a lab technician and a nursing assistant while he completed his education at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
‘Direct interaction with the community’
Ichimura says what most attracted him to the MVA was its efforts within the community.
“There’s more direct interaction with the community,” he said. “You can see how it’s helping, how it’s benefiting them.”
Education
When at MTSU, Ichimura studied Nutrition, with a Biology minor. He was also enrolled in a Pre-Medical Study Program. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences, and he’s currently studying for his Masters and PhD. He expects those degrees to be in Bio-Chemistry or Bio-Technology.
‘Giving back’
“I want a position where I can use my knowledge and skills to give back to the community and help improve healthcare,” he explained.
Ichimura was born in Las Vegas, then moved to Tokyo, Japan, before settling in Nashville.
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
Founded in 1999, the Alliance bridges the institutions of Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Its mission is to enrich learning and advance clinical research in three primary areas -- community engagement, interprofessional education and research -- by developing and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the communities they serve. Through community engagement, the Alliance serves a large community of stakeholders including surrounding universities and colleges, community organizations, faith-based outlets and community health centers. Its interprofessional education enhances students' interdisciplinary understanding and improves patient outcomes through integrated care. The research conducted provides access to experienced grant writers and materials supporting the grant application process and facilitates grant-writing workshop.
