HPD Perspectives Magazine Summer/Fall 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 7 “Through Schaeffer’s gift, and partnerships, CREATE provides dental, vision, and mental health services to survivors of trafficking at no cost to the survivors.” THE NSU X FACTOR When asked what attracted her to NSU, Schaeffer said, “NSU’s spirit of community drew me in. The Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences is dedicated to producing clinicians that care holistically about the patients they serve. NSU’s Core Values of opportunity, diversity, and community resonate with my own. From the dean level down, the college’s faculty members are true role models of compas- sionate, competent care.” Regarding a decade of col- laboration and contributions, Schaeffer added, “from thought to action, NSU’s creation of a center for human trafficking research, education, and medical/ dental services has been the most meaningful” part of her NSU experience. “NSU was at the forefront of human trafficking research and took strides to educate professors and students alike about this public health epidemic,” Schaeffer said. “Courses in human trafficking are now available for undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs, and clinical awareness of human trafficking has been significantly improved.” NATIONAL CONNECTIONS When asked about other organizations she has engaged to help address the prevention and intervention of human traffick- ing, Schaeffer replied, “Being a longstanding member of the American Women’s Medical Association and its very active Human Trafficking Committee, I do feel like we’ve influenced research, advocacy, and health education nationwide,” she said. “I am proud of the community outreach accomplished through work with boots-on-the-ground organizations like KidSafe Found- ation, Soroptimist International, Ark of Freedom Alliance, and the Broward Human Traffick- ing Coalition,” she said. “As president of the Human Traffick- ing Coalition of the Palm Beaches, I am excited to further increase awareness of the perils of human trafficking.” STUDENT CONNECTIONS In 2019, during a recent PCHCS Advisory Board meeting, the stories of two students who were experiencing significant life challenges were shared to see if members could leverage their networks to assist them. Schaeffer was not able to find immediate assistance, so for one student who was performing well and expected to graduate in August, she created a scholarship to cover the remaining tuition from the previous semester, thus lifting the hold that would prevent further registration. Beyond assisting the student financially, she joined her for lunch at a seaside restaurant one day, during which Schaeffer shared her personal challenges in becoming a health care profes- sional. She expressed confidence in the student’s future success and, when the student conveyed her deep appreciation for Schaeffer’s support, encouraged her to pay it forward to someone else in need. As Schaeffer reflected on her path, she noted, “My journey has not been an easy one, but certainly I am grateful for the opportunity that a good education has provided. It is no wonder that I’ve been inspired to assist students to achieve their own academic goals, with NSU as the ideal partner to support students who strive to make a difference.” Schaeffer’s words of wisdom to current and emerging health care professionals are “Dare to care— don’t just ‘treat and street.’ Be a true champion for your patients. This must include being knowl- edgeable about human trafficking, as we cannot ‘do no harm’ if we are seeing patients without having human trafficking as part of our differential diagnosis.” o Terry Morrow Nelson is the assistant dean of student affairs at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.