College to Career: How anthropology shaped a nurse practitioner’s career
For one nurse practitioner, anthropology and nursing are not separate disciplines but complementary tools for advocacy and patient care. With a background in women’s health, gender-related care and qualitative research, anthropology alumna Juliette André combines medical expertise with a deep understanding of complex social dynamics.
As she transitions into her first official clinical role while completing her Master of Science in Nursing at Vanderbilt University, André shares how her experience at Wayne State University’s anthropology program continues to shape her approach to trauma-informed, patient-centered care.
Tell us about your current role and previous anthropology-related positions you've held.
Currently, I am a women's health and gender-related care nurse practitioner, an RN and a qualitative researcher. I am also in the midst of preparing for my adult gerontology primary care board exam, which will allow me to offer more comprehensive primary care to folks from all walks of life. Though I'm segueing into my first official in-clinic role as a provider in the next few months, while completing my MSN at Vanderbilt University, I worked as a qualitative research assistant on a few different projects. This helped me keep my more technical anthropology skills sharp and be a part of some publications I'm really proud of.
How did your training in anthropology help shape your career?
My draw to anthropology and nursing was one and the same—activism. Anthropology has given me the ability to better understand complex systems and dynamics, be a much better observer and communicator with patients and be a stronger advocate overall. My two degrees dovetail well and I plan to continue to stay curious in both spaces, allowing one to inform the other and vice versa.
What's a typical workday like for you?
In the clinic, I spend the majority of my time with patients. Behind each exam room door is a completely different person with unique needs, perspectives and health goals. My job is not only to complete assessments, make diagnoses and come up with a treatment plan. Ultimately, it's really about forging trust and building rapport. It's also about honoring where people are in their own lives, providing health literacy tailored to their needs and creating plans that are culturally conscientious, supportive and meaningful.
How have your WSU anthropology experience affected your career choices and preparation?
Brass tacks, my time with the anthropology department at WSU allowed me to pursue my academic interest in the intersection of oppressive power, gender, shame and individual empowerment. I haven't strayed far, as I work in women's and sexual health, which means I brush up against those same themes daily. I work in a space where there is so much vulnerability and where matters of personal agency and autonomy are often tightly woven into a patient's every interaction within the healthcare system.
Anthropology has given me the tools to not only critically engage and interrogate the complicated interrelationships between patients, our healthcare system and our culture writ large, but also better understand my role as a provider and how I can impact positive change for patients. My approach to providing care is trauma-informed and patient-centered, which feels wholly in the realm of reflexivity. If I hadn't pursued anthropology I don't know if I would be on the same path I am now and truly, I'm not sure who I would be as a provider.
Why would you recommend Wayne State's anthropology program?
Wayne State's program is absolutely one I would recommend. It is small enough that you have many opportunities to have one-on-one relationships with faculty and connect with your peers via rich discussion. It's also large enough that there is a diversity of thought in the classroom, which I think is necessary. There are also opportunities for volunteering, joining projects and research assistant positions that allow you to build your resume while continuing to learn. The program makes a point to connect with its roots within the city of Detroit and focuses on public-facing anthropology, which I really value.