BRIANNA BROWN

University of Arizona

Briannabrown@arizona.edu

Brianna Brown was born and raised in Arizona and always knew medicine was her true calling before attending the University of Arizona. Brianna Brown is an upcoming senior at the University of Arizona and is majoring in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Promotion and a minor in Spanish. Additionally, ever since Brianna was a young girl, she pictured herself in a white coat making a difference and helping the world. Undoubtedly, Brianna clearly saw her life ahead, wearing a “White Coat” and working in pediatrics for minority populations. Furthermore, after graduation, Brianna plans to take a gap year and prepare for medical school and is very passionate about giving everyone the quality care they deserve. As an African American woman, Brianna wants to change the disparities among African Americans and the stigmas they face in the medical field. Aside from attending football games, volunteering at elementary schools, and traveling, Brianna is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Brianna is so grateful to be doing this internship and thanks the staff for all their hard work and dedication.

⊲ PROJECT

Theraplay with Children at U.S and Mexico Border: A Pilot Study

Within the research Brianna has found on Theraplay it is evident that this form of therapy will have a positive impact on families and children. Theraplay is an effective short-term approach leading to the problems children have. This method of Therapy has shown significant promise for dealing with depression, learning difficulties, and emotional problems. With that said, Brianna would want to conduct a pilot study to see if it is safe and feasible to have Theraplay at the U.S and Mexico border. Furthermore, Theraplay is a child and family therapy that focuses on enhancing attachment, building trust, and promoting healthy relationships between children and their caregivers. Theraplay started in the 1960s and is an essential aspect of child life. Immigrant children have been struggling with mental health issues amongst other physical issues for many years. This innovative therapeutic approach has the potential to create and transform the lives of individuals and families. So, Brianna wants to see how incorporating Theraplay into border communities is feasible and safe. As an aspiring pediatrician, Brianna is eager to do this study to understand the impacts on Theraplay and child development. In this study particularly, after a pilot study is conducted in the future, Brianna would want to see the different Theraplay techniques used at the U.S and Mexico border since it is a vulnerable population. If the research shows that Theraplay is feasible and safe Brianna would want to study 12 children ages 3-5 years old at the U.S and Mexico Border for eight weeks having one session a week. Her goal is to contribute my skills and expertise in Theraplay to organize a study and mini Theraplay clinics at the U.S and Mexico border to study the behavior of children before and after Theraplay. By focusing on this intervention in young children Brianna hopes to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma, mental health and create positive change in this environment. Brianna firmly believes that everyone deserves access to quality care and the resources to foster healing through Theraplay. So overall, the goal of the first step of this research project is to start with safety and feasibility using Theraplay.

Julia Jernberg

MD Director, Ambulatory Medicine Clerkship, Medicine

Jbj@arizona.edu

Julia Jernberg is the director of the Ambulatory Medicine clerkship and of the Health & Societies continuity thread for the UACOM-T. As a physician certified in Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, and Integrative Medicine, she attends the Internal Medicine residents’ clinic for Banner-University Tucson.

Dr. Jernberg works with Dr. Heidi Brown (MPH, PhD, professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MEZCOPH) as a co-lead for the Arizona Climate & Health group of human and animal physicians and public health experts. The faculty and students work together to develop medical education modules for medical and veterinary students, in addition to public health students that address Climate and Environment teaching using basic science, clinical findings, and epidemiology. Their work is funded by the Technology Research Initiative Fund/Water, Environmental and Energy Solutions Initiative administered by the University of Arizona Office for Research, Innovation and Impact

Ezdna Cazares

University of Arizona

Ecazares@arizona.edu

Ezdna Cazares, I am a first-generation college student attending the University of Arizona majoring in Nursing. I am a rising sophomore from Yuma, Arizona. My career goal is to become an OB-GYN. After becoming a Nurse, I plan to save up to attend medical school. After completing schooling, I plan to return to my hometown to help my community, especially those near the border and low income.

⊲ PROJECT

The Effects of Midwife Shortage in Arizona

In my research, I had the opportunity to interview 3 midwives. I gained insight into their opinions and experiences dealing with the midwifery shortage. Through the interviews, I was able to conclude the main factors they believed would help in this time of need.