To say Amanda Provost is ambitious would be an understatement. She dreams of the day she is a physician. Until then, she’s found other ways to better the lives of others. 

“Amanda is both a model student and a model citizen,” said Elias Baumgarten, associate professor of philosophy. 

She also is a self-starter. Amanda works as a medical assistant for a local pediatric office. In order to better understand pathology, Amanda reached out to and shadowed a local physician and was offered the rare opportunity to assist on an autopsy. 

With the help of Professor Baumgarten, she attended University of Michigan Health System ethics committee meetings, where she connected with physicians, nurses, social workers and attorneys. She even took the initiative to speak at meetings, a task often done with caution even among seasoned physicians.

“She made some of the most insightful comments and raised some of the best questions,” said Professor Baumgarten. “I think right now she would be prepared to be an important member of the committee.”

Amanda’s list of campus and community service activities is inspiring. As a freshman, she joined Phi Mu, a social fraternity that has helped her become who she is today—a leader. She has since served as treasurer, membership director and vice president. 

Amanda founded “Up ‘Til Dawn” to raise money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She also served as president of the American Red Cross and is an active member of Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity.

She is an avid volunteer who has helped build houses with Habitat for Humanity, made blankets for children with cancer with Project Linus and packed food with Fish and Loaves. And the list goes on.

But her commitment to helping others extends far beyond campus.

Amanda participated in a medical mission trip with Global Brigades to Honduras. She worked with doctors and nurses to provide free health care to rural communities. It is an experience she describes as life changing and humbling. 

“It was amazing how grateful these patients were to get teeth pulled and to speak to a doctor after waiting in line for hours and walking miles. They are so happy with what little they have that it has taught me how our culture focuses too little on what matters in life and too much on what belongings we have.”

One thing is clear. No matter where life and medicine leads Amanda after she graduates in April, she’ll continue to be a Difference Maker.