Hayley Wise is no stranger to the Doctors Without Walls (DWW) community. A passionate healthcare provider and dedicated volunteer, Hayley first joined DWW over a decade ago while navigating the challenges of nursing school. Her journey with DWW has been one of growth, both personally and professionally, and she’s excited to be back, contributing to the mission she believes in.

A Lifelong Commitment to Service

Hayley’s path to healthcare was always clear, even from a young age. Raised by a retired ER physician father and a nurse practitioner mother, she grew up witnessing the importance of care for vulnerable populations. “I grew up with a dad who actually was doing street medicine my entire life,” Hayley recalls. “We had people knock on our door asking to trade avocados for stitches because they didn’t have health insurance.” These formative experiences left a lasting impression on Hayley, shaping her commitment to serve those in need.

Her journey with DWW began in 2009 when she was waitressing at the Coral Casino. A chance encounter with board member Larry Crandell introduced her to the organization, and she quickly became a dedicated volunteer. “It was nice to be with other people who had the same passion for helping others,” Hayley shares. Her early experiences as a volunteer scribe allowed her to gain hands-on medical experience while earning her nursing credentials, and the compassion she saw in DWW’s team further fueled her desire to pursue healthcare.

A Changing Path: Embracing Nursing

Although initially leaning toward becoming a physician assistant, Hayley’s time with DWW helped her discover her true calling. “Doctors Without Walls helped me realize the nursing path was more my style,” she explains. Inspired by mentors within the organization, such as Maggie Cote, Hayley fell in love with the flexibility and impact of nursing. This realization led her to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, where she now combines her clinical expertise with a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

A Time Away: Gaining New Perspective

In 2018, Hayley’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her treatment, which coincided with the pandemic, she was forced to step away from volunteering. While challenging, this period gave Hayley invaluable insights. “Learning what it’s like to be a cancer patient and go through hardship has made me a better, more empathetic provider,” she reflects. Her experience as a patient has only strengthened her resolve to serve others with compassion and understanding.

A Commitment to Mentorship and Support

Now that she’s back with DWW, Hayley’s focus is not only on providing care to the unsheltered community but also on mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. “I want to be a good role model and a safe person for others to ask questions,” she says. Hayley is determined to create a supportive environment where students and volunteers feel empowered to learn and grow. “We need to take care of each other and support each other,” she emphasizes. This collaborative mindset, she believes, is essential for both personal and professional growth in healthcare.

Valuable Lessons from the Field

Working with the unsheltered population has taught Hayley some of her most valuable lessons in healthcare. “Health is a gift,” she says, reflecting on how easy it is to take our well-being for granted. She adds, “Just talking to someone is all the medicine you need. Some human touch, just being heard, is powerful.” These lessons continue to inspire Hayley in her work, reminding her of the importance of connecting with patients on a human level.

Looking Forward: Giving Back and Lifting Others Up

As Hayley looks ahead, she remains committed to giving back to the community that has supported her. “It’s an honor to give back and take care of people,” she shares. For Hayley, being part of DWW has been a transformative experience, one that has shaped her into the compassionate, skilled healthcare provider she is today. She hopes to continue inspiring others by being the same kind of mentor and role model who helped guide her along the way.

In her words, “It’s about making sure we have a supportive healthcare system—one where we take care of each other and work together to provide the best patient care possible.”

We are so excited to finally welcome back Hayley this December 2024! We are grateful that she is now healthy and thrilled to have her return. Hayley is truly one of the exemplary volunteers who positively impacts everything she touches, and we look forward to seeing her continued contributions to DWW’s mission!

BY BLAKE SANCHEZ, DWW Communications Coordinator