2001 AUL/Bowen Scholar, Laura Kathryn Cluxton

First year medical student, Laura Kathryn Cluxton, has been selected as the 2001 AUL/Bowen Scholar. Laura was chosen on the basis of her interests and strengths, which are well suited to the mission of the Bowen Research Center and OneAmerica's strong foundation of humanitarian values.

"When I decided to attend medical school," said Laura, " it was with the hope that I would one day, not only practice medicine but also, change medicine." Laura's volunteer experience as an ambulance service emergency medical technician and as a counselor at the Putnam County Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) emphasized the critical health care needs that exist in rural Indiana related to smoking, obesity and general non-compliance to physician recommendations. Many individuals that cannot afford to go to the doctor use the emergency department as a primary care office. "It was nearly impossible to have follow-up care and make suggestions for lifestyle changes based on a quick emergency visit," said Laura. "At the CPC, there was little I could do in twenty minutes to encourage pregnant women to stop smoking, take appropriate vitamin supplements, obtain prenatal care, and watch her diet and lifestyle for the sake of her developing child and herself."

It was Laura's recent research projects that she describes as "eye opening." Through several research opportunities at the IU School of Medicine and the Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Laura learned that she can contribute to the knowledge of how to prevent and treat diseases. Her clinical research project with Marilyn Bull, M.D., division of Birth Defects and Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, emphasized the importance of preventive medicine and how to help stop or reduce medical problems before they surface.

"By completing a research project at the Bowen Research Center, I will not only continue my interest in research, but I will also gain valuable experience in the area of family practice - a career I am strongly considering because it will allow me to have a continuity of care with my patients," said Laura. "One day, I would also like to return to Putnam County and assist the CPC in developing into a medical center to provide pregnancy counseling, ultrasound, prenatal care and general medical attention for the Center's clients."

<back to DFM home page>