Madeleine Jian He Stack is a third-year student at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Northwest Western University of Health Sciences and hails from the beautiful state of Oregon. She is this year’s recipient of the Willis Women’s Scholarship scholarship.
Edie Sperling, PT, DPT told us this about Madeleine, “I’ve known Madeleine for almost two years, beginning with the Intensive Summer Anatomy Course (ISAC) in which she excelled. About fifty students apply to take this course in the summer prior to their first year of medical school, and twelve are selected. After ISAC, I chose her to be one of the Teaching Assistants (TAs) for her class. I knew she would be a wonderful TA, and she was. Madeleine is a natural leader. Other students often turned to her for assistance, which she always cheerfully provides. She is upbeat and encouraging with everyone, and was an absolutely wonderful addition to the anatomy teaching team.
“Madeleine was accepted to the Biomedical and Clinical Research Track at COMP-NW, which allows students to participate in projects or develop their own. She is currently involved in a research project with me that she and her group developed, looking at patient preference, ease of use, and patient experience using a variety of different pain scales to assess their efficacy and quality for people in chronic pain. Madeleine’s natural empathy, along with her drive and intelligence, makes her one of the physicians I could see truly bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.
“Madeleine is interested in many areas of medicine, including general surgery, anesthesiology, and cardiology. Her main goal is to be involved in activism and advocacy no matter where she ends up. She participated in the AOA’s DO Day on the Hill which greatly impacted her and cemented her passion for speaking up to help others.
“Madeleine is a wonderful and impressive woman, and I know she is going to be an amazing doctor.”
Student Doctor Stack told us, “Prior to enrolling in medical school, I had numerous opportunities to gain insight from individuals affected by our current healthcare system. As a volunteer at Rose Haven, a day shelter helping underserved populations in Portland, I witnessed women living out of their cars due to unexpected medical bills. Even though I was able to assist individuals with the application process for the Oregon Health Plan, this, unfortunately, did not guarantee that they could afford coverage. Alternatively, while working at the diabetes and endocrinology clinic, I saw firsthand how financial constraints required physicians to limit the number of Medicaid patients they could see. As a medical assistant, I met patients who told me they had to choose between purchasing groceries or insulin that month. Learning the harsh realities of our healthcare system influenced my decision to become a physician. I sincerely believe that one of the most effective ways to change the system is from within. While I don’t readily have the answers to these complex issues, I am committed to being part of the solution.
“As DO students, we often discuss the importance of treating the entire person in a holistic manner. I believe that this holistic treatment expands beyond the confines of hospitals and clinics. As DOs, it is imperative that we contribute to our community through political advocacy and volunteerism. I see myself carrying my advocacy work forward through my residency and as I begin my work as a practicing osteopathic physician. My volunteer work at Rose Haven has inspired me to one day provide free medical services as a practicing physician. In addition, I hope to continue in my capacity as a mentor to help future osteopathic medical students. My goal is to inspire others as I have been inspired.
“Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we can utilize to help our patients. It requires intellectual curiosity and compassion for the unique situations of others. As a future osteopathic physician, I will continue to seek opportunities to advocate for my patients. While I still have so much to learn about the complexity of healthcare policy, I recognize that as medical students, we have an important role to play in improving the quality of healthcare in the future. As such, we have a responsibility to advocate for the communities we serve.”
Madeleine, the Foundation couldn’t agree with you more, and we look forward to watching your career bloom, both for your benefit and the benefit of all those you will serve. Job well done.
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