Alana Slavin ’16

Physicians for Human Rights

Tell Us What Connected You to This Organization

I first became involved with Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) as a medical student. I served as the Co-Executive Director of the University of Michigan Asylum Collaborative (UMAC), which partners with PHR to provide forensic medical evaluations to asylum-seekers. During my third year of medical school, I collaborated with representatives of PHR to document and report health and human rights violations occurring at the US-Mexico Border.

What Inspires You About the Organization, Mission or Your Role
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is an exceptional organization with the mission to "investigate and document human rights violations, give voice to survivors and witnesses, and plant seeds of reconciliation by ensuring that perpetrators can be held accountable for their crimes." I am inspired by PHR's mission, as it leverages public health and medical knowledge to advocate for the marginalized.

Share Advice to Guide Students Hoping to Pursue a Career with Social Impact or in Nonprofit Industries
My advice would be to always remember the power of empathetic listening. In advocacy work, it is key to listen to and collaborate with others. One of my favorite quotes that serves as a reminder of this is, “You don't need to be a voice for the voiceless. Just pass the mic.”

Another piece of advice is to become involved during your time at LMU. LMU has so many amazing organizations, ranging from service organizations to clubs, that truly changed my life!

Nominate Someone: Help highlight Lion Acts of Service by giving a fellow Lion a shoutout. If you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know.