Valeria Draine
2025
San Ignacio, Belize
The Heart of Healing
Valeria Draine (2025: San Ignacio, Belize) is working as a medical intern with Intern HQ, providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care while observing and participating in hospital patient care. She aims to immerse herself in Belizean culture, learn about Latin American healthcare systems, use her bilingual Spanish-English skills to connect with patients, and broaden clinical understanding.
I’m a recent Belmont University graduate with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. Over the past few years, I’ve worked as a Neurodiagnostic Technologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Tristar Centennial Medical Center, performing EEGs across pediatric, adult, and NICU units. My experience in healthcare during college has only strengthened my decision to pursue medical school in the future due to the nature of helping others.
During my time in college, I’ve also looked for opportunities to lead and serve. At Belmont, I served as a Spiritual Life Ambassador and as Vice President for the Honors Student Council. I’ve led mission trips in Memphis, Nashville, and the Dominican Republic, and am currently starting an art therapy program in collaboration with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office to support mental health in correctional facilities.
I’m continuing my journey in Belize, working as an intern in clinics and hospitals in San Ignacio. I will be shadowing and assisting local physicians and immersing myself in a new culture. Throughout my time here, I’ll share my experiences, stories, and reflections as I prepare for medical school and a career dedicated to breaking down accessibility barriers in healthcare.
More about me....
Home Town: Antioch, TN
Major(s): Neuroscience
My Stories
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Week 16 and 17: Community and Nature
During the past couple of weeks I was given the opportunity to present as a healthcare professional at a local primary school. My
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Week 14 and 15: Exploring
During week 14 and 15 I was able to have one of my good friends visit me in Belize for seven days! It
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Week 12 and 13: New Belizean Family
The past couple of weeks involved me continuing to job shadow at the Octavia Waight Center. Interestingly enough, most residents at the center
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Week 10 and 11: Mary Open Doors and Octavia Waight
During the past couple of weeks I have volunteered with the local shelter and nursing home as part of an extension to the
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Week 8 and 9 – Complexities of Healthcare
Differences in Healthcare The San Ignacio Community Hospital has opened my eyes to many things. Particularly the differences in medical cases, the past
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Week 6 and 7 – Celebrations
The month of September marked a season of celebration in Belize! St. George’s Caye Day happened on September 10th which commemorates victory over
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Week 4 and 5 – Outbreaks
Hello everyone! The past couple of weeks I have been working with public health as well as the outpatient department which include general
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Week 2 and Week 3 – Medicine in Belize
During the past couple of weeks at the San Ignacio Community Hospital, I rotated through the maternity ward and outpatient care. Maternity When
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Week 1 – Traveling, Settling in, Exploring
Traveling During my last week in Nashville, Tennessee I packed away my apartment and decided on the essentials I would be taking during
