Kye Madsen

Hello! My name is Kye Madsen and I’m a senior nursing student at Regis University. I’m an avid coffee-drinking, early-morning-running, ice-cream-eating, sunshine-loving Iowa native! I’ve chosen to pursue a career in nursing because I believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed the ways in which social determinants of health - such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender - often lead to negative health outcomes for certain individuals and communities. While I hold a great deal of privilege in the current healthcare system, I can’t accept the unjust suffering of others. I hope to pursue a nursing career in public health, working with marginalized and vulnerable communities to advocate for better access to care. I am passionate about working with diverse cultures and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to Guatemala to serve a community that is rich with culture but has many healthcare needs.

It has been an amazing experience taking many months to learn about the community we will be serving in Guatemala in collaboration with other nursing and pre-med students. While language might be a barrier at times (my Spanish has certainly improved but is not great), I’m certain that I will feel connected with the people of Guatemala through our shared humanity and understanding of the human experience.