Joanne Kunze

Community Service

• College of Veterinary Medicine, Honors College
• Neuroscience
• Maple Valley, Washington

Involvement

Conducted surveys on access to medical care while serving as research associate in the National Association of Research Associate Programs, American Medical Student Association where she organized blood drives for the Inland Northwest Blood Center, Honors College ambassador, completed the certified nursing assistant program through Lewis and Clark State College, program leader for Cougar Safe Rides, Birth Place volunteer at Pullman Regional Hospital, interpreter and general volunteer for Hearts in Motion in Guatemala

Favorite WSU experience

Serving as a medical interpreter in Guatemala really opened my eyes to the importance of communication in medicine and community health. That feeling was surprisingly mirrored when I returned to Pullman and worked as a research associate in the local hospital. It showed me that lack of access and lack of communication exist here as well, especially in rural underserved areas. It was a really good experience overall and motivated me toward the goal of medical school.

Future plans

I’m applying to several medical schools including WSU’s Elson S. Floyd School of Medicine. I want to become a physiatrist—to help amputees or those with neurological disorders achieve a higher quality of life—or a family physician. I definitely want to practice in Washington state in an underserved area.