Operation Walk has had a long-standing partnership with Cornell College and its pre-healthcare program, Dimensions. This program for Health Professions provides comprehensive support for pre-health students, including specialized advising, internships, and research opportunities.
With Cornell College being Dr. Dorr’s undergrad alma mater, this program fits perfectly with his vision to immerse students at the ground level of Operation Walk, experiencing healthcare at its truest form. This tradition has given dozens of students throughout the years an introduction to medicine and service to others.
Our upcoming mission to the Philippines welcomes two student volunteers, Eva Plathe and Tansy Graves. Learn more about these motivated students and why they are excited to volunteer.
Eva Plathe
My name is Eva Plathe. I am currently a junior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA. I am also a member of the women’s soccer team.
My desire to work in healthcare began in high school when I worked as a dietary aide at a nursing home. Building trust and gaining the respect of the residents made me realize how rewarding the work was. Currently, I work as a home health aide and love the diversity of the clients and their medical needs.
One thing I have learned is that every patient has a story that deserves to be heard. I am so excited to be a part of Operation Walk Los Angeles and experience the power of medicine in another country. The physicians and staff traveling overseas to volunteer for the betterment of these patients embodies what I hope to bring to the medical profession one day.
Tansy Graves
Hi, my name is Tansy Graves, and I am a junior at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. I am originally from Mililani, Hawaii. I have always been passionate about aiding in healthcare and interacting with patients. I especially enjoy hearing about their experiences with healthcare and its positive impact on their lives.
At home, I have experience working as a nurse aide on a stroke and telemetry medical-surgical floor. Operation Walk and its mission interests me because I enjoy being able to help and see patients after surgery and through the entirety of their stay in the hospital. When I have the opportunity to aid patients during their rehabilitation, seeing the joy on their faces when they are able to do things considered “second nature” to us, like walking or holding a phone, is so rewarding.
I am so fortunate for the opportunity to be a part of Operation Walk and am so excited to join their mission this summer to the Philippines!