Walden University's 2008 Outstanding Alumni Award goes to an alumnus who pursues a vision for "total health" in the nursing field. Dr. Souror (Sourri) Baetjer has used a lifetime of education to promote her unified health goals.
A Strong Background & Bright Future
Dr. Baetjer has held a range of positions in the health care industry; from businesses to hospitals, schools to nursing homes. "I'm a person who wants to get experience in every area," she explains. From that variety, she pulled her ideas of total health. To Dr. Baetjer, the concept of total health includes physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational health. Achieving total health is important both to individuals and communities.
"As a nurse, I don't believe anything else on Earth is as important as our health," notes Dr. Baetjer. "You can be the richest man or woman on Earth or have the best education, but if you've lost your health, you've lost everything." For this reason, the Iran native joined an exchange program in 1970 that brought her to the United States.
Walden University and Total Health
In 2000, Dr. Baetjer earned her Ph.D. in Health Services with a specialization in Community Health from Walden University. Of her experience, she notes: "Walden University has made a difference in my work, my community, and my personal life by giving me the tools to promote total health." Dr. Baetjer is a strong believer in using education to promote awareness and health from a young age, beginning in nursery school to teach children the importance of health in their lives.
About the Outstanding Alumni Award
Walden University's Outstanding Alumni Award is presented yearly to one graduate who exemplifies the school's scholar-practitioner model. Individuals receiving the award work strongly with social change, are recognized by their communities for their work, and make exceptional contributions to their discipline.
