Danielle Hickman ’20 says what she learned as a public health major in Samford University’s School of Public Health prepared her to serve others. In her current role as the LatinX community development coordinator for Cahaba Medical Care, she is able to do just that.

Stretching across central Alabama, Cahaba Medical Care provides health care services to patients in its 19 different clinics. As the LatinX community development coordinator, Hickman helps translate paperwork and medical records from English to Spanish and ensures patients are directed to the care that they need. The clinic provides care for patients regardless of whether they have insurance. 

“I stumbled across this job and read the description 10 times. I thought, ‘This is my job,’” Hickman said. 

Since her childhood, Hickman has studied Spanish. When she came to Samford, she began attending The Church at Brook Hills’ Hispanic congregation. Her love for the Hispanic community and a desire to serve is what led her to Cahaba Medical Care.

Much of what she has learned in her Samford classes prepared her for her current role. While studying public health, she took classes in epidemiology, cultural competence and health care, and nutrition.

“This was the perfect degree for what I’m doing now. Samford gave me a lot of tangible knowledge that I use in my career every day,” Hickman said. “One class in particular, Cultural Competency and Spirituality in Health Care, has helped me ensure Cahaba Medical Center is an inclusive and welcoming place for Spanish-speaking patient.” 

Hickman has known since she was 15 years old that she wanted to live in service to others. Read more here about how public health compliments her passion for living a missional life.