NASHVILLE, Tenn. Jordan Jurinsky brings the experience of a world traveler to his internship with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA). The East Tennessee native grew up outside of Knoxville in a town called Maryville before relocating to Japan for his final years in high school
“My mom worked for a Japanese car manufacturer,” he recalled, “and she brought the whole family to Japan for a few years.”
Passion for social justice
Jurinsky attends the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University, where he studies Community Development and Action. Prior to that, he majored in Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree.
“I previously worked in substance abuse, mental health and inpatient psychiatry,” he said. “I have a passion for social justice, which led me to further explore systemic barriers that prevent people from optimal health and happier lives.”
Goals
Jurinksy hopes to work within an interdisciplinary program that focuses on health disparities and access. After that, he’d like to word toward his PhD.
He decided to intern with the MVA because it aligned with his future goals. “I want to better understand community-engaged research, and become a better researcher,” he stated.
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.
