Evelyn Thomas is a rising second-year medical student at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine.
In the following blog post, she reflects on her own path to pursuing an interest in medicine.
“I am eager to identify and transform practices that fall short for patients from marginalized communities and to seek out or create avenues for meaningful change.”
Life Before Larner
I am from Lakewood, Ohio, which is near Cleveland. I grew up with my uncle and he always instilled in me that I can achieve and become anything I put my mind to. Before high school I was not very interested in science. Leading up to 10th grade, I thought I was going to be a lawyer because I loved reading and writing. Science, up until that time, for me consisted of Animal Planet documentaries and learning about metamorphic rocks. My interest was sparked and nurtured when I learned about the biological processes inside of me from a motivating biology teacher in high school. In her biotechnology class, I engaged in an osmosis experiment, sparking hours of discussions with a friend. This experience led me to pursue biology and later research in college.
From Ohio to Vermont
During my undergraduate education at The Ohio State University, I conducted research in two labs. In the Immunology/Rheumatology Department with Dr. Jarjour and Dr. Nicholas Young, I assessed the impact of tai chi on patients with lupus and used a mouse model to evaluate the effects of moderate exercise. This marked my first application of scientific and statistical knowledge to real-world issues. In the second lab with Dr. Thomas Hund in the Biomedical Engineering Department, I worked on numerous projects, but my first was with Dr. Sathya Urudurthi, where we studied the FN14/TWEAK pathway and how it affects macrophage infiltration and fibrosis in the heart. This study was published in 2020 in the international journal Life Sciences. This lab also offered me the chance to acquire skills like coding (Python and MATLAB) and contribute to a literature review on proteins linked to cardiac hypertrophy. What truly resonated with me in Dr. Hund’s lab was the encouragement to set up my own research initiatives based on my scientific passions, all while receiving abundant support.
I chose Larner College of Medicine because I wanted a med school where I could be who I am and not compromise that to become a physician. I am committed to continuing my research journey here at Larner with the CVRI Summer Research Fellowship grant. This summer I am working with Dr. Debora Kamin Mukaz and Dr. Mary Cushman evaluating structural racism and its effects on cardiovascular health in Black Americans. Beyond research, another vital interest of mine is medical ethics. During my undergraduate studies, a chapter from Harriet Washington’s book “Medical Apartheid” within a Black Women’s History course shattered my own preconceptions. This eye-opening exposure revealed the distressing history of unethical research on Black Americans, expanding my understanding beyond the well-known Tuskegee Trials and Henrietta Lacks. This experience prompted me to reassess my educational journey and to better appreciate the historical and sociopolitical context of the information I have encountered along the way.
Life as a PCT
I began working as a Psychiatric Care Technician (PCT) in October 2020, amidst the pandemic. This position involved assisting the nursing staff with their clinical duties and providing support to the patients. Additionally, I had the privilege of leading therapeutic groups with patients. I also had the opportunity to join the Unit Leadership Committee on my floor where we discussed policy, work culture, and patient care. It was a great avenue for me to see direct changes on the floor. I had numerous patients express to me how much they enjoyed reading but lacked sufficient material. I helped organize a book drive among staff on our floor to create a library for our patients and I emphasized the importance of donating books they previously enjoyed. I thought this method would not only add numerous diverse perspectives/stories to the collection but also add another layer of connection with books previously enjoyed by others.
During my time as a PCT, I got to experience how all the different health professionals contributed to supporting a patient. I also had the opportunity to establish meaningful connections with patients and their families – those are the moments that stick with me the most.
Serving the Community and Self
During my time as a PCT, I came to realize the universal potential for a mental health crisis in anyone’s life. These experiences will shape my future regardless of the medical specialty I choose, as mental health comorbidities can profoundly impact any patient’s well-being.
As I progress on my path to becoming a physician and embracing lifelong learning, I recognize the importance of self-care. My ability to care for others is intrinsically linked to my own well-being. This guiding principle of self-care is something I aim to impart to my patients, understanding that its manifestation varies for everyone. By attentively listening to their unique needs and tailoring patient care to suit their circumstances, I hope to enable patients to continue nurturing their own well-being.
Creating Meaningful Change
My dedication to community service stems from early experiences with my aunt and brother since the age of 10. We would make 1000 lunches and pass them out in downtown Cleveland with my aunt’s church. This has ingrained in me the value of giving back to one’s community, a commitment I have made throughout my life. Moreover, I am eager to identify and transform practices that fall short for patients from marginalized communities and to seek out or create avenues for meaningful change. As I embark on this journey, I look forward to embracing new lessons, overcoming challenges, and discovering the person I will evolve into by the end of it.
