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For Master of Social Work students, internships are not only a degree requirement but also a pivotal point in their professional growth. This invaluable experience bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Every year, Community Healthcare of Texas (CHOT) interns become important members of our interdisciplinary teams caring for patients and families diagnosed with a serious or life-limiting illness.

In honor of Social Work Month, we recently had the privilege of hearing from Aleia Durston as she reflected on her journey with Community Healthcare of Texas and her aspirations for the future. Aleia earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, in May 2024, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University, with graduation anticipated in May 2025.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in social work?

Originally, I didn’t! I began my undergraduate journey as a nursing student with the intention of becoming a medical missionary. As much as I loved the course content and the medical world, I found that I was continually drawn towards addressing the social and mental health needs of patients even more than I was drawn to their physical needs. The strong social work values of social justice, dignity and worth of a person, and holistic wellbeing really resonated with me, and I have found that sitting with patients in their suffering and bearing witness to their pain and healing journey has provided a meaningful opportunity to live out my faith in Jesus. I love this work, and I often think to myself that I can’t imagine doing anything else. 

Why did you choose to join Community Healthcare of Texas for your internship placement?

During the summers of my college years, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant with Visiting Angels. Many of my patients were either on hospice or approaching the end of life. To this day, it is my most favorite job I’ve ever had. To be invited into such a sacred space with patients and their families profoundly impacted me and ignited a desire to work with older adults in a palliative or hospice capacity later in my life. After completing (and deeply enjoying) my undergraduate senior practicum at a Minneapolis area hospital and working regularly with older adults in that capacity, I felt that this internship would be a great opportunity to continue to explore hospice and palliative care, this time from an advanced social work standpoint. 

While there may not be a “typical” day in your role, describe some of your responsibilities during your internship.

I have been able to take on a wide range of responsibilities here at CHOT, for which I am grateful! The entirety of my work with patients has actually been with Texas Oncology patients via their partnership with CHOT and the Pathways Program. I am the “resident” social worker intern at the Texas Oncology Horizon Circle clinic and work with the medical teams there to provide community resource navigation, case management, and behavioral health services to patients and their families. I also visit the infusion room on a weekly basis to visit with patients, consult with the nurses, and provide any resources on-site that may be needed. I meet with patients over the phone, in their homes, or at the clinic to get them the help they need. In addition to my day-to-day case work, my fellow interns and I have been involved in recruiting volunteers for the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Waco chapter and have started an online monthly caregiver support group in collaboration with CHOT’s Grief Care Services team. While it is true that my responsibilities are changing all the time, a day at CHOT will always include asking my supervisor, Becky Shumake, a million questions and visiting Waco Senior Director Audie Williams’ office for a pink Starburst from her candy dish. 

Is there anything that has surprised you about working with our patients?

I have been surprised by the unique challenges that come with navigating mental healthcare in a hospice/palliative/oncology setting. One practical example is that it can be difficult to differentiate the side effects of chemotherapy from symptoms of depression and to know whether or not a mental health intervention is appropriate or needed in that situation. I have found that cancer patients are often under-resourced in the mental health aspect of care because, in the context of serious illness, it simply does not take priority in the treatment process. My belief is that all patients deserve to receive holistic care, including mental and emotional support, even when their lives have been limited by cancer or a related illness. Mental healthcare is for all of life, including the end of life!

Have you decided on a social work specialization after graduation? If so, what?

My specialization in graduate school has been in clinical social work, which is the area of social work that focuses on mental healthcare for individuals, couples, and families. So, my goal is to eventually work as a clinical (therapist) social worker, most likely in a medical setting. However, I am also open to school social work, county social work, mental health missions work, and private practice. 

How has your experience with Community Healthcare of Texas prepared you for your future career?

CHOT has given me the opportunity to grow in my oncology-specific social work skills, the confidence to continue to pursue a career in mental healthcare, and the passion to continue to work with adults facing serious health issues and terminal illnesses. I have specifically loved the skills that I have developed in interdisciplinary work with the medical teams here at CHOT and at Texas Oncology. I am grateful for all the practical skills acquired through advocacy projects, case management, documentation, and patient contact. This place and these people will always have a special place in my heart!