NASHVILLE, Tenn. Alexis Holman has a genuine interest in health and improving the well-being of others. That interest is what led her to study Health Education at Middle Tennessee State University. When asked what her plans are after graduation, Holman said she hopes to work in research and enroll in a graduate program within a year.
A significant component of her educational growth, she noted, is her time as an intern with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, a collaborative partnership between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. When asked to describe her time with the MVA, Holman laughed and said, “Not long enough.
“It’s been a very rewarding opportunity,” she commented, “and I have gained much experience that I will carry on into my career and future goals.”
Holman joined the MVA in January. She applied for an internship with the Tennessee Cancer Coalition, an organization dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer by implementing collaborative statewide plans driven by data, science, capacity and outcomes. “One of the committee members recommended (the MVA) to me,” Holman explained. “I was very intrigued about the studies that were being done, and I felt like I was a perfect fit for the Alliance.”
Since then, she’s worked tirelessly to support Vanderbilt Ingraham Cancer Center-funded studies at the MVA and to create evaluation tools for the Inter-Institutional, Interprofessional Education Student Pilot Project. Her efforts include writing a protocol manuscript for the VICC Video Study on the stages of implementation completion for a clinical trial education. The study’s aim is to increase awareness and knowledge of clinical trials among minorities in hopes of increasing participation.
Holman’s studies concentrate on community and public health. She also has a minor in nutrition and food science, and is set to graduate in May. Afterward, she will work as a study startup specialist with ICON, a clinical trial company in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Holman believes the MVA has been a major asset in enhancing her professional and research skills. She feels her professionalism, critical thinking, time management, interpersonal communication and task prioritization have all improved. Additionally, she feels she’s learned essential skills in research and manuscript writing.
“I’ve also got a better idea of what I would like to do in my career,” Holman said. “This has built upon my initial interest in research, and it has given me hands-on experience that will need in my future endeavors.”
About the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
The Alliance's mission is to enrich learning and advance clinical research by developing and supporting mutually beneficial partnerships between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University and the communities they serve.
