When Alex Maldonado was a teenager, he was hired as a caregiver for a World War II veteran in their hometown of Berryville, Arkansas.

From 4 to 8 p.m. every weekday, he visited Joel Gibson to prepare meals, dispense medication and, as it turned out, gain some unexpected mentoring.

During those three years, Gibson became a father figure to Maldonado — and the experience shaped the teen's desire to work in health care.

"Spending hundreds of hours with him made me realize how passionately I am driven to help and care for others, both medically and personally," Maldonado said.

Maldonado is now a sophomore at the University of Arkansas, working toward a public health degree with minors in medical humanities and human nutrition. He wants to help communities as well as individuals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of his chosen field. It has also amplified his interest in studying health disparities.

Maldonado wants to help people stay healthy and happy, particularly through holistic medicine.

"Holistic medicine combines the body, mind and soul. Traditional medicine, although interesting, I believe has more to offer when coupled through a holistic approach," he said. "I believe we live in a society that is far too medicated. Promoting holistic medicine can help reduce the number of people needing health services."

Maldonado, an Honors College Fellow and first-generation college student, is itching to begin researching his thesis around that topic this spring. Pandemic permitting, he looks forward to studying in Sweden this summer with Health Teams Abroad.

After graduation, Alex plans to pursue medical school. He has a few other goals as well.

"I want to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, make my family proud, attend medical school, get married to someone I love, buy my momma a nice house, and live the rest of my life enjoying and appreciating everything," he said.

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This story is the latest in a series called the Dean's Spotlight, featuring outstanding students in the College of Education and Health Professions. Visit COEHP's online magazine, the Colleague, for more news from the six units that make up the College. Find out more about Public Health degree options on the Health, Human Performance and Recreation page.