Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will celebrate graduating students May 15–19, during commencement week. Extensive training, critical hands-on experience and invaluable mentorship have prepared these students to become leaders and innovators in their chosen healthcare professions where they will improve the health of the communities they serve.
Here are just a few stories from the medical school’s graduating students.
Anthony Baldridge - Master of Science in Anesthesia
Why did you choose your area of study?
I was a Physics and Math teacher for 15 years and was interested in a career change to the medical field. I was drawn to anesthesia because of the team care model, being able to interact and care for patients and the ability to participate in a wide range of cases.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working for Ohio Anesthesia Group in Canton, Ohio.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
I received my Master's of Science in Physics from CWRU and was familiar with the outstanding education that is offered. Being able to interact with patients and be in the operating room so early into the program was also appealing to me.
What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
My favorite memory was going to the AAAA Conferences at the end of my first year and at the end of my second year.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
There will be hard days and weeks but if you keep working hard, it does get better and easier. Don't give up, and rely on your support systems!
Anna Goff - Doctor of Philosophy in Bioethics
Why did you choose your area of study?
I took my first bioethics course as an undergraduate student at CWRU and what started as an innocent curiosity quickly became a newfound passion. I loved the fact that studying bioethics meant tackling difficult and often nuanced questions. To this day, I appreciate the fact that the work allows me to consider different perspectives, challenge my own beliefs and work toward meaningful solutions.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be moving to New York City to start a two-year clinical ethics fellowship at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
First and foremost, I chose CWRU because of the opportunities for mentorship and growth. I was fortunate to find several wonderful mentors during my time as an undergraduate/master's student and I knew those relationships would only evolve during my doctoral years. I was also very excited about the array of clinical, teaching and research opportunities available to students, which I believed would prepare me well for a career in bioethics. These things, coupled with the fact that CWRU’s bioethics PhD program was the first of its kind and remains one of few such programs today, made it a natural next step in my academic journey.
What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, my eight years at CWRU have left me with many wonderful memories. The ones that stand out most in my mind are those that represent full-circle moments in my academic journey, such as being able to teach the very same undergraduate bioethics course that inspired me during my freshman year. To make things more special, Dr. Monica Gerrek, the professor who taught that course when I was a freshman, ended up serving as my doctoral advisor and chair of my dissertation committee. Experiences like these gave me a profound appreciation for the ways in which remaining at the same institution for multiple degrees has afforded me the chance to see my growth and progression in such concrete ways.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
My biggest piece of advice for incoming students is to defy the box that you (and others) will sometimes try to place around your interests and aspirations. Graduate school is the perfect time to explore new things and challenge yourself. You never know what might come of such efforts!
Maya Holmes - Doctor of Medicine
Why did you choose your area of study?
I chose Ophthalmology because vision influences how a person interacts with the world, earns money and creates a life for themselves. Vision loss is a life-changing event that can—in some cases—be prevented or fixed with the right treatment. I want to help those in danger of vision loss maintain their sight and educate the public about the best ways to protect their vision.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be staying in Cleveland at University Hospitals' ophthalmology residency program.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
CWRU holds a special place in my heart because my parents graduated from this medical school. A Haitian-American woman and a man from the projects of Orange, New Jersey achieved a dream that to many from the same backgrounds seems impossible. I am grateful CWRU gave me the opportunity to fulfill their legacy and create my own mark on the medical field.
What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
Being in the "COVID class" came with many challenges but my classmates never stopped trying to make our experience as normal as possible. The boat party we had at the beginning of our second year of medical school was amazing because it was truly the first time we got to gather as a class and have a good time.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
Medical school is hard and the path of pursuing medicine is even harder. Take time for yourself. Pursue your hobbies, and hang out with friends and family whenever you can. We can’t heal others if we drain ourselves.
Grayson Holt - Master of Arts in Bioethics & Medical Humanities/Master of Social Work (dual degree)
Why did you choose your area of study?
I chose to pursue this course of study after working as an aide on an inpatient psychiatric unit. While I worked there, I was exposed to aspects of the human experience I had never seen in such a concentrated form. The people I worked with were suffering, many of them being held involuntarily. Additionally, the patients I worked with could be described as marginalized or on the borders of society, facing severe mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness and a variety of other challenges. Despite this, the people I worked with very rarely described themselves that way. During my time there, I was exposed to incredible resilience, hope, faith and the belief in a better tomorrow. By pursuing a Master of Arts in Bioethics & Medical Humanities and a Master in Social Work, I believe I have best positioned myself to support the resiliency of the patients I serve while having the tools to engage with aspects of their lives—such as being unhoused— which are not inherently medical problems but have clear health implications.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will start a Doctor of Medicine program at Harvard Medical School with the ultimate goal of becoming a psychiatrist.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
I originally chose Case Western Reserve University for undergrad due to the wealth of opportunities I found in Cleveland and University Circle—professional and personal. When I visited campus, I was so impressed with the cultural hub that is University Circle that I immediately emailed CWRU admissions and told them I would do whatever I needed to in order to come to the university (I had been waitlisted at the time). It was a great decision as I have loved my time here finding a home in Little Italy while receiving an incredible education.
What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
My favorite memory while at CWRU was walking in the Feast of the Assumption parade last year dressed in yellow, red and blue and equipped with a battle axe as a Swiss guard. I’ve lived in Little Italy for nearly four years now, and one of my central goals during my time here has been to immerse myself in its community. Part of why I cherish this memory is I believe it is important for students to know who they are living with, in part because I recognize not all long-term residents are fans of students living in Little Italy. Therefore, my obligation as a resident was heightened to get to know who I was living with to create meaningful relationships. My invitation to the parade was not only a fun and exciting opportunity but the invite also spoke to the value of these relationships.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
In my experience, part of what made these programs so engaging is you are allowed to be daring in the problems you are trying to address. At times, as a student, it may feel as though you need years or decades of experience before trying to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our society. While humility is hugely important, I’ve found that being bold in the challenges I’ve sought to address made my education and the connections I’ve created exponentially more exciting. Over my years here, I’ve been exploring challenges in access to mental health care, the case for restorative justice or reparations and their impact on health and have written about the architectural design of healthcare settings. These are large questions, yet I encourage anyone starting the same program to not shy away from whatever their largest questions are.
Olivia McCloskey - Doctor of Medicine
Why did you choose your area of study?
Growing up with two parents that are veterinarians, I was interested in medicine and surgery from a young age. I enjoyed the opportunity to build longitudinal relationships with patients and contribute meaningfully to their health and quality of life. During medical school, exposure to congenital cardiac surgery in research and clinical settings prompted me to pursue a cardiothoracic surgery residency. I enjoyed the procedures, anatomy and pathology and I loved the balance between surgical and ICU management.
What are your plans after graduation?
Cardiothoracic surgery residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
I chose CWRU based on the breadth of clinical opportunities and exposure to a wide variety of specialties and research endeavors. I was undecided on the specialty that I wanted to pursue when I started medical school, but I knew that CWRU would open doors to countless opportunities regardless of the specialty that I ultimately selected.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
Make time for your hobbies and spending time with loved ones. They are excellent ways to decompress and destress while allowing you to maintain your interests and relationships from before medical school.
Siraj Meah - Master of Science in Anesthesia
Why did you choose your area of study?
I chose to study anesthesiology because of its unique blend of direct patient care and the critical role it plays in surgical procedures. My interest in this specialty was sparked by my father and two sisters who are also anesthetists. Anesthesia requires a deep understanding of various drugs and their effects on the human body, as well as the ability to make rapid, precise decisions in high-pressure environments. This combination keeps the role constantly engaging and evolving. The continuous advancements in anesthetic techniques and the integration of technology in patient monitoring also promise a dynamic career.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
I chose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine primarily because of its outstanding reputation as a leading medical institution. Additionally, my personal connection to the university further influenced my choice, as my father was one of the first graduates of the MSA program in the early 1970s. His long and successful career in medicine has been a major motivational factor for me. Hearing about his experience has provided me with a deep appreciation for the rigorous training and the supportive community the school offers. Moreover, the opportunity for strong clinical training, facilitated by the wide variety of cases at affiliated hospitals in Washington DC, also played a crucial role in my decision. This exposure to a diverse range of medical scenarios will be invaluable in developing my skills and preparing me for a successful career in medicine.
What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
It’s difficult to pinpoint just one favorite memory, but it has been rewarding and fun growing alongside my classmates in the evolution from eager students into trusted medical providers. We have been guided and supported by dedicated preceptors and attending physicians. I will never forget the investments they have made in me personally, day in and day out. Their commitment not only to my education but also my personal growth was truly remarkable.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
My best advice would be to stay organized. This program demands meticulous attention to detail over an extensive array of topics. Simultaneously, embrace teamwork. The clinical side of this program is inherently collaborative, requiring seamless communication and cooperation with surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Riya Tiwari - Master of Science in Regenerative Medicine and Entrepreneurship
Why did you choose your area of study?
The combination of regenerative medicine with entrepreneurship opens up exciting opportunities to drive innovation, make a difference in people's lives and potentially build successful businesses that have a positive impact on society. So, for someone passionate about both scientific discovery and entrepreneurial pursuits, pursuing a degree in regenerative medicine and entrepreneurship could be a natural choice.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be a research assistant III at Children's Hospital Cincinnati in the Department of Oncology.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
I chose CWRU School of Medicine because I knew how prestigious it is and also I was very much interested in enrolling in a course that gave me multiple options in terms of career opportunities. I was able to get an intensive idea of both medicine and business and how both are related.
What is your favorite memory at CWRU?
My favorite memory is working as a Graduate Researcher under Dr. Amar Desai. This lab gave me so much hands-on experience. I was very lucky that he trusted me and gave me this opportunity to work with him. Because of this experience, I was able to get a full-time job in research.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
This program allows you to delve into medicine and business as a combination, so use this opportunity wisely and try to get internships related to your interests which will give you an experience of the real world. Network as much as you can. Be confident. Everyone is very helpful, you will definitely enjoy the process.
Kaelynn Workman - Doctor of Medicine
Why did you choose your area of study?
I chose dermatology because I am passionate about advancing dermatological care for patients with skin of color. Dermatological disorders that disproportionately affect skin of color patients are often under- or mis- diagnosed, under treated and under researched. This often leads to a lack of therapeutic options. It is my hope to increase racial representation in dermatology research and scientific advancements surrounding these disorders to enhance patient care!
What are your plans after graduation?
Entering dermatology residency at Cleveland Clinic.
Why did you choose Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine?
I chose Case Western Reserve due to the abundance of opportunities with four major hospital systems. Further, the flexibility of the pre-clinical curriculum best fits my learning style, as I was able to adequately pursue outside interests in medicine, like research.
What advice do you have for students starting the same program?
Be open to exploring a variety of specialties because you never know which one you may end up falling in love with! For myself, I didn't come into medical school knowing dermatology was my passion, but now I am so glad that I found it throughout my medical school journey. Lastly, be active in your pursuit of finding good mentors because when you find a good fit, those relationships can be life-long and really change your career for the better!