Student Education

Siloam is passionate about multiplying our model of whole-person care by training the next generation of health professionals in the art of culturally-sensitive, comprehensive care.

Rooted in Siloam’s model of whole-person care, our staff clinicians dedicate significant time to mentor students and trainees of various health disciplines in the art of compassionate, cross-cultural caregiving. Over the course of 4 to 11 weeks (depending on trainee type), students—including medical residents, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and medical and pharmacy students – learn and practice skills like how to work with an interpreter, navigating care amidst limited resources, spiritual history, and working with an interdisciplinary team. Trainees frequently leave a Siloam rotation feeling transformed with a renewed outlook on the practice of health care as usual!

“It’s important for medical education to have a place where whole-person care is embraced and spirituality is discussed openly. Learners of all types benefit from the philosophy and practice of Siloam, and that is an essential contribution to the future of medical care.”
– Morgan McDonald, MD, 2000 trainee
Assistant Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health

University Partnerships

Beyond formal clinical preceptorships, Siloam also partners with local academic institutions to develop the next generation of whole-person caregivers. Partners include Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Tennessee State University, and Trevecca Nazarene University. Students and professors serve and learn alongside Siloam in such areas as pharmacology, physical therapy, social work, public health, and more.

For more information about partnering your university with Siloam Health, contact Philip Gaines – Volunteer & Student Coordinator – by e-mailing volunteercoordinator@siloamhealth.org.

“We need health care providers who see each and every patient – regardless of their struggles – as a human created in the image of God. We need them everywhere – not just in clinics for the underserved. Siloam plays an integral part in training this generation of providers.”
– Carmen Tuchman, MD, 2016 trainee
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University

Speaking Engagements

Siloam’s student education strategy also seeks to foster dialogue about issues integral to the practice of whole-person care for the underserved. Siloam staff are sought-after speakers around topics related to poverty medicine, cross-cultural health,  behavioral health, spiritual care, and more.

If you are interested in having Siloam speak, let us know by completing our Speaker Inquiry Form.