Name: Phifer Nicholson 

Volunteer Position: Medical Student
Service Period: 2020-Present

Phifer Nicholson served as a Medical Student volunteer with Hands of Mercy International, supporting healthcare delivery and gaining practical clinical experience at the Mother of Mercy Hospital under the mentorship of Dr. Tom Catena.

Driven by a strong calling to serve, Phifer brought a diverse background shaped by 18 months of living and working in the West Bank, where he completed his undergraduate studies and taught English as a second language through a Lutheran Church initiative.

At the time of his placement, Phifer was in his third year of medical studies at Duke University, inspired to pursue medicine after learning about Dr. Tom Catena’s work in Sudan.

During his placement, he:

• Supported clinical and patient care activities in a resource-constrained hospital setting 
• Contributed to ongoing research focused on medical ethics and health equity 
• Gained hands-on experience in delivering healthcare to underserved and conflict-affected populations 

Phifer’s contribution strengthened Hands of Mercy International’s commitment to advancing equitable healthcare access, ethical medical practice, and capacity building in fragile and underserved contexts.