Before becoming a Highlander as part of the Radford University Carilion physician assistant program, Steve Abercrombie had already experienced and explored more of the world than most of us do in a lifetime. Now, he's sharing that experience with his classmates and using it to treat patients across the region.

Radford University Carilion Master of Occupational Therapy student Martin Bergschneider brought over a decade of unique life experiences with him to the program. His experiences, and those of his classmates, help the students understand the diverse types of people and potential experiences they may encounter as healthcare providers.

The Radford University Carilion Medical Laboratory Science program has received a $160,000 grant from the Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation, which will be used to purchase supplies and equipment employed in the practice of transfusion medicine and related disciplines.

When Radford University Carilion family nurse practitioner student Adwoa Agyekum migrated to the United States from Ghana 11 years ago, she had no idea she would find herself on the front lines of a global pandemic as it swept through southwest Virginia in 2020.

Radford University Carilion respiratory therapy student Milena Khodjaeva is no stranger to experiencing big life changes. Since she was a child, those changes have defined who she is and what path she would follow, including a move at 7 years old from Uzbekistan to the United States.

As a first-year student in the Radford University Carilion surgical technology program, Brian Kriever is dedicated to easing the fear and stress patients go through leading up to and during surgical procedures. His compassion comes from his personal experience.

Ivonne Valdovinos made a 2,442-mile journey from East Los Angeles, California to Roanoke, Virginia, to study Medical Laboratory Science at Radford University Carilion. Her journey to a healthcare career, though, began much earlier when she endured a childhood illness.

Radford University Carilion Physician Assistant student Whitney Hewitt says, “Being able to talk to patients and their families, and be a small part in their care, even if it’s just a learning opportunity, is wonderful.” Learn more about Whitney and how she is preparing to become a PA at RUC.

Heading back to school at 46 wasn’t an easy decision for RUC Respiratory Therapy student Melissa Akers, but she knew that the long-term benefits of returning to school outweighed the short-term challenges she and her family would face. Learn more about Melissa’s path to becoming a Respiratory Therapist.

The Spring 2021 semester at Radford University started on January 19 with a sense of optimism that could be felt across its Radford and Roanoke sites.