Editor’s Note: Domer Diaries is the newest storytelling series from the Alumni Association where members of the Notre Dame family tell their stories in their own words. This week’s Domer Diaries entry comes from Dr. Christina E. Fitch '00, a hospice physician at Humana and Baystate Medical Center and author of When You Give A Woman the World: A Travel Journal for Women.
Name: Dr. Christina "Ina" E. Fitch
Class Year: 2000
Residence Hall: Cavanaugh Hall
Majors and Minor: Preprofessional Studies, Anthropology
Student Activities (clubs, groups, teams, band, student government, etc.): Marching Band Drum Line, Folk Choir, Radio Club, music coordinator for Cavanaugh Mass
Local Notre Dame club or affinity groups: Boston and Hartford
What accomplishments have you been most proud of in your career?
As a Global Health doctor, I have felt most blessed to have learned, worked, served, and taught in many countries all over the globe. Teaching recognition from my peers and students has made me feel the most proud over the years. Doctor means "teacher" in Latin and serving as a doctor at home and abroad has meant teaching the patient in front of me, the colleague at my side, or the community through publications.
What was a formative moment in your time at Notre Dame that continues to influence you today?
There's no one moment that I can point to; rather, it was the many opportunities that my education at Notre Dame allowed me, the friendships that continue to bless my life, and the alumni connections that enriched every step of my path since graduation (there is always a Domer colleague at whichever institution I serve). Notre Dame Folk Choir, under the direction of Steven C. Warner and Karen Schneider-Kirner, certainly helped to support my faith journey both at Notre Dame and beyond. Also, studying pre-med at Notre Dame — where 1% of all U.S. doctors originate — has helped me to keep my focus on my calling. Every trip back to campus includes a visit to read Dr. Tom Dooley's letter to Fr. Ted Hesburgh [at the Grotto]. Just like the generations before and after me on campus, there were many late-night trips to light a candle at the Grotto and reflect.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
Israel was so very special as I went with Dr. Sue Sheridan in the anthropology department and really steeped myself in the history and culture of this most unique region. From the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, from the Mount of Olives to the Qumran caves, we explored to our hearts' content in between cataloging the remains of Byzantine monks. Other places that have a special place in my heart include Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Lima, Peru; Santorini, Greece; West Kalimantan, Indonesia; Kampala, Uganda; and Ponta Delgada, Azores. Little pieces of my heart are scattered all over the world in beautiful friendships.
