5 questions with medicine’s Samantha and Allison Epstein, Class of 2026
As commencement approaches for Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine students, the excitement of what lies ahead is matched by the gratitude to the people, classes and clinicals that made a difference along the way—because the journey of earning one’s degree is just as important and impactful as the destination of a healthcare career.
To capture that experience, we spoke with several School of Medicine graduates as they prepare to close this chapter and step into the next.
Read on to learn about twins Samantha and Allison Epstein, Doctor of Medicine (MD) candidates from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Answers have been lightly edited.
What initially drew you to CWRU?
The people! We were both so nervous about leaving Florida, but from the second we visited CWRU at the open house, we absolutely loved it here! What really sealed it for us was how welcoming and supportive the community felt; the students, faculty and even people around the city genuinely want you to succeed and feel at home. On top of that, having access to four incredible hospital systems provided unmatched opportunities for learning, shadowing and future career growth.
What course or campus experience shaped your education most?
Our clerkships! We loved getting to finally be in the hospital and play even a small role in helping to take care of patients. We both really loved almost every rotation, and it was so much fun to see our hard work from the previous two years pay off in a clinical setting.
What is your favorite memory as a student at CWRU?
One of our favorite non-medical memories was from the day after our medical school formal, Hippo Ball. We had our friends over for brunch and to be together, and we ended up spending all day just enjoying each other's company. We watched football, played games and ordered in multiple meals. It was just a great reminder of the amazing people that we have met here and how lucky we are to have such a fantastic support system.
A more medical one: Match Day! We both matched into our top choices, and it was an amazing day surrounded by all the mentors, faculty, family and friends who helped us get there. It truly felt like the culmination of four years of hard work that paid off, and we loved being able to be with all of our peers who helped shape the past four years and witness their success as well. It was also so special being back at the Health Education Campus, where we spent so much time working to get to this day. A very full circle moment, celebrating all of our accomplishments.
What’s next for you after graduation?
Sam: I am going to the University of Pennsylvania for dermatology.
Alli: I am going to Rush University Medical Center for otolaryngology.
What advice would you give to new students in your program?
It sounds cheesy, but follow your own path! Everyone at CWRU is so impressive, and so it can be really easy to compare yourself to others (or even your twin sister), but everyone has their own journey and individual story to tell. As long as you follow what you are passionate about and stay true to yourself, that will shine through on your rotations and when you go to apply to residency.
