Human Science Senior Sees Georgetown Education as Helping Advance Longtime Interest in Health Care

September 8, 2021 – For Georgetown senior Carrington Moore (NHS’22), joining the health care field has been a longtime goal.

Moore, who grew up near Atlanta, said her studies as a human science major have been supporting that aspiration, particularly her journey to become a physician. 

“The major, in and of itself, allows students to dive into the micro and macro levels of science, research, health, and health promotion,” she said. “As someone interested in pursuing a career in medicine, I absolutely love learning about the physiological basis of illness and methods of prevention and treatment from both a clinical and scientific approach, as well as one that takes more of a public health and policy approach.”

Her Father’s Encouragement

Thinking back to high school, Moore recalled that her father suggested she take a look at Georgetown.

“After applying to my first slew of colleges, I realized that I wasn’t incredibly drawn to the programs that I had initially applied to,” she said. “I remember sitting down in our living room talking with my parents when my dad said, ‘Hey, how about you apply to Georgetown? It seems like a great fit for you.’”

Her decision was made once she attended an admitted student weekend on the Hilltop.

“After learning about the NHS and human science program, and later, attending GAAP weekend, I knew that I had to be a part of this community and am so glad that I am,” Moore recalled.

A Longtime Focus

Moore’s hope “to go into the medical field or be involved in some form of patient care” started in childhood.

“As a kid, I had a collection of stuffed animals and Webkinz dolls that I would use to play doctor,” she said. “I’d take the time to craft paper stethoscopes, use my dad’s zip ties as IVs, and pencils as syringes.” 

Later in her life, Moore confronted the death of her grandfather, an experience “that solidified [her] decision to pursue the health field,” she said.

“He passed from postoperative complications following a successful surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm,” Moore explained. “His passing was such a mystery to us all, so once the autopsy was released I used what knowledge I had gathered from my human science curriculum to walk through the medical examiner’s notes and explain as much as I could to my grandmother and family, having very little to no medical background.”

The difficult experience allowed her to use and further develop her knowledge about human physiology and illness. 

Back to Georgetown

Moore is experiencing a renewed sense of energy with the return to campus this fall semester, as well as taking time to readjust to the activity.

“It is so refreshing to be back at Georgetown,” she said. “I absolutely love seeing new and familiar faces on campus and am so grateful to see the Hilltop alive once again. However, transitioning from this past year of remote learning to being submerged in campus life and the ‘hustle and bustle’ of DC has been challenging. Nonetheless, I am so excited to see all that this year brings.”

Her work with the Family Wellbeing Program, a part of the Early Childhood Innovation Network, has given her the opportunity to focus on the mental health and wellbeing of communities in the city’s Wards 7 and 8.

“This past summer, I began working independently on a thread of research that focuses on the impact of race concordance between therapists and their clients on perceptions of care and mental health outcomes,” she said, noting, “all of which has been a very rewarding experience.”

Additionally, Moore is a resident assistant in Arrupe Hall and acts as a peer advisor to new students, as well as interns at the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service and serves as a Georgetown Women’s Alliance fellow. With respect to GWA, she and Professor Jennifer Wiggins are collaborating “on a project that aims to address gender inequity and bias on Georgetown’s campus.” 

Health and Justice

Despite her busy schedule, Moore takes the time to enjoy the campus and the city. “Outside of classes and extracurriculars, I love to attend Yates’ group fitness classes, have game and movie nights with my friends, and try out cheap eats and coffee shops around the city,” she said.

Her career as a physician, Moore explained, will be focused on health and justice.

“In the future, I aspire to continue my education in medical school and work towards improving public health and social justice issues plaguing communities across the nation,” she said.

By Bill Cessato