Feature Stories - Genevieve Zeraus

Feature Stories

NSM.today • 7th May 2023

Veterans Affairs doctor shortages increasing due to lack of VA health education

The College of Medicine professor embraced tear-filled veterans the moment they jumped off their horses every morning.

Some were missing limbs, but Manette Monroe fought to make them feel whole in any way she could. Her husband, Mike Gaither, saw the desperation in her eyes, wanting to help those who sacrificed for their country.

NSM.today • 26th April 2023

A returning medical art elective allows students to connect with their emotions

A UCF medical student sang Frank Sinatra's greatest hits with dementia patients before they began chanting, some mumbling the lyrics.

Joshua Salzman, a fourth-year medical student, along with Natasha Williams, UCF College of Medicine library faculty member, were astonished by how the patients' faces instantly lit up. Both Williams and Salzman brought back the Arts in Medicine elective after five years of the university taking it off the course catalog. They said they started plans to bring the class back in 2019 but paused their progress due to COVID-19, time constraints and quarantine.

NSM.today • 23rd April 2023

Medical student strives to add diversity to health care

Arielle Patterson tapped her feet to the drums of Afrobeats, dancing and giggling through the night with her friends at Hampton University.

Today, she sits in class at UCF’s College of Medicine, feeling more alone than ever. Looking around the room, the difference in diversity from her historically Black college university was a culture shock for Patterson.

NSM.today • 27th March 2023

Match Day couples successfully combat the struggles of medical school as parents

The Berniers could not contain their smiles and watery eyes as they crouched down to show their Match Day envelopes to their child.

Megan Bernier and Andy Bernier, both fourth-year UCF Doctor of Medicine students who matched at HCA Florida Westside Hospital at the College of Medicine last Friday. The achievement was a product of an emotional rollercoaster that many medical students undergo because of heavy classwork and intensive hours. The couple said they couldn’t have done it without their one-year-old son, Samuel.

NSM.today • 20th March 2023

Former UCF student shares how eating disorders go unnoticed

Kaitlyn Chana remembers writing heartwarming cards for children battling sickness that motivated her to be a voice for those with an eating disorder.

The UCF alumna said she always struggled with perfectionism and poor body image. Upon starting middle school, she said she developed an eating disorder, dropping a lot of weight in a short time.

NSM.today • 8th February 2023

Advocates fight for HIV awareness and prevention amid rising cases

When J. Richelle Joe was a teenager, she lost both of her parents to AIDS. Now, she works to address its effects and raise awareness about the illness.

According to Florida Sunshine Health, HIV cases in Central Florida have gradually increased by hundreds every year. Contributing factors include stigma surrounding the illness and a lack of awareness, medical care and preventative methods, according to Joe's research.

NSM.today • 7th February 2023

UCF Health Services provides options for insurance plans and interpreters to international patients

Brenda Perez said she always felt a wave of empathy as she spoke to patients in their native language about helping them achieve a healthier life.

Perez, a healthcare interpreter for the UCF College of Medicine and Nemours Children’s Hospital, said their health insurance has helped UCF patients and includes free interpretational services for multiple languages. UCF Health Services are currently in a network with six insurance providers.

NSM.today • 22nd January 2023

“Win The Day:” family and friends of late UCF football player Jake Hescock honor his life

Jake Hescock, 25-year-old former UCF and Wisconsin tight end, died Dec. 11 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a jog in Boston on Dec. 6.

Hescock’s visitation and funeral were held Dec. 18 and 19 at St. Charles Church in Pittsfield, MA. Many of his family, teammates and friends grieved and sent their condolences during that time.

NSM.today • 27th November 2022

UCF researcher shows dedication through work in healthcare simulation

UCF College of Nursing professor Mindi Anderson is working to enhance her students’ clinical experiences before they graduate. To do so, she uses cutting-edge simulation technology, and her impact won her a 2022 Luminary Award.

The Luminary Awards recognize faculty members across all disciplines for academic leadership in their fields and for conducting work that has a significant impact on the world. Anderson was celebrated alongside five other scholars at the award ceremony on Nov. 1. Anderson was recognized for “advancing nursing education and care through leading-edge research and scholarship in simulation technology."

NSM.today • 18th November 2022

UCF receives $5.7 million to support Hispanic/Latinx students in healthcare fields

UCF has received $5.7 million in federals funds to support healthcare programs that will foster the success of Hispanic/Latinx undergraduates and low-income students in the nursing field, according to UCF Today.

Kimberly Schneider, director of UCF undergraduate studies, said there was a slight decrease in student enrollment and graduation rates last year at UCF, and these federal funds may help to reverse the trend.