Student Spotlight - Bailey Wright

The Western Michigan University Unified Clinics created a new internship this semester for a master's level medical social work (MSW) student. Bailey Wright was selected to be the first MSW intern in this exciting new role. In this capacity, she is working closely with clinicians from both the Western Evaluation Center for Autism and Neurological Disorders and the Charles Van Riper Language and Speech Clinic. Master's level social work students are required to complete a 500-hour internship within the community setting. Wright will complete her internship over two semesters, finishing in April 2019.

Wright has similar roles in both clinics as a case manager, working closely with clients and families during appointments and in follow up. She is learning about the referral process by contacting newly referred clients and providing resources to existing clients. She also enjoys meeting with clients to educate them on community resources when needed.

"In November, Bailey facilitated a workshop for the first year speech-language pathology graduate students," says Kathy Rigley, Coordinator of the Van Riper Speech-Language Clinic. "The workshop addressed self-care and mindfulness practices, educated students on signs of stress, stress management strategies, using biofeedback devices to monitor stress, and personal reflection. Bailey has been a tremendous addition to the clinic to support our clients as well as to engage in interprofessional practice and education among our students.”

Wright also participates regularly with WECAN by attending weekly family meetings, observing assessments, offering her recommendations and perspectives with the interdisciplinary team and contributing by writing the biopsychosocial portion of the evaluation reports.

“This internship is a whole new world for me and has made me realize how all professional roles intertwine. I love the clinical setting and appreciate this experience very much,” says Wright.

“This experience has helped cultivate a stronger relationship between academic departments and associated clinics and has already contributed significantly to interprofessional experiences for students,” commented Rigley.

Next semester, Wright hopes to increase her role as a case manager and contribute to an interprofessional education event involving speech language pathology graduate students and students from the physician assistant program.