Editor’s note: this is the second story in a series about the students who attended the LeaderShape conference.
A prominent issue on the minds of many Americans is affordable, efficient health care. One ETSU student has his own vision – improving health care for local, low-income residents. Thanks to a leadership conference he attended, he also has the means to make his vision a reality.
Aaron Fielden, a senior with plans to go to medical school after graduation, attended the first National Session of LeaderShape last summer. At the conference, students from across the United States, and across the world, come together to learn about leadership. Sessions are held every year by the LeaderShape Institute.
Fielden was the first ETSU student chosen to attend the conference, which was held at Allerton Mansion just outside of Champaign, Ill.
“[LeaderShape] changed my perspective on not just leadership, but on hope in the world,” Fielden said of his experience.
At LeaderShape, Fielden said he learned how to develop his passion and was able to share it with others. “No matter what I do in life, I know that my passion is to help people and healthcare is the route I want to take to do that,” Fielden said. “LeaderShape helped me realize that.”
Creating low-cost, efficient health care for Johnson City, is Fielden’s goal. “I want to create an environment where treatment is given without prejudice or regard to socio-economic status,” Fielden said.
As a Trauma Resource Tech II at Johnson City Medical Center, Fielden observes a variety of medical situations, and is able to gain perspective on health care needs in our area.
“The things I see in health care today are overpowering, because you see people coming in who either have no hope or they’re broken down or scared because they don’t know what’s going to happen to them,” Fielden said.
“When they look up in your eyes and they know that you’re there, it’s not just your job to help but it’s something that you have to do.”
In order to reach the point where he can help those who don’t have insurance or the means to afford proper care, Fielden said he needs to start with smaller goals.
These goals include going to medical school and making connections with those in the medical community who share his ideas. Sharing ideas with others, something Fielden said LeaderShape taught him, is how he said he hopes to get people interested in low-cost health care programs to Johnson City.
Programs such as community screenings and downtown clinics are Fielden’s main focus. “Most cities have these in place but they are not well-known,” he said “My vision is to collaborate everyone together to create a synergetic effect. Therefore, we could help the masses both efficiently and effectively.”
Clinics operating in Johnson City include the Johnson City Downtown Clinic, Keystone Center for Women and Children and the Asbury Family Resource Center.

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