An Insightful Reflection: ECU Medical Student Chronicles Her Honors College and Medical School Journey

Fourth-year ECU medical student Dana Shefet is on the brink of graduation and the beginning of her residency in family medicine in Virginia.

Visualize Dana Shefet standing triumphant on a Himalayan mountaintop in India, her gaze sweeping across a breathtaking valley adorned with formidable peaks. The interplay of light and shadows creates a mesmerizing view where golden rays illuminate the rugged terrain beneath her. This empowering image serves as a vivid metaphor for the remarkable journey that Shefet has undertaken throughout her years at East Carolina University (ECU).

An array of cherished photographs further encapsulates Shefet’s journey—each image highlights various memories with family in Israel or joyous moments shared with classmates in the student lounge and during momentous occasions celebrating her milestones throughout her medical education. These snapshots narrate a compelling story of adventure, perseverance, and accomplishment that has defined her university experience.

Completing her undergraduate studies and transitioning to the Brody School of Medicine, Shefet has gracefully accumulated significant achievements, such as her recognition as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar in 2017, and evolving into a Brody Scholar in 2021. Now, she stands on the threshold of a new chapter, preparing for her imminent residency in family medicine at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia this summer. Her academic and professional voyage illuminates her unwavering dedication and passion for medicine.

Originating from Cary, North Carolina, Shefet has become a prominent figure across ECU’s Main and Health Sciences campuses. Her signature curly hair and radiant smile herald her presence wherever she goes, embodying the optimism and confidence that came naturally to her from the onset of her academic journey. She has consistently tapped into the myriad of opportunities available to her at ECU, both on campus and beyond, to shape a fulfilling future.

Many Brinkley-Lane Scholars enter the university brimming with curiosity and hope. Shefet, one of the early participants in the scholarship program originally known as EC Scholars, reflected this ethos, yet she has cultivated a reputation that transcends the ordinary. “She is a rare mix of dreamer and pragmatist — someone who wants to study big problems but also tackle them in real, impactful ways,” remarked Dr. Sheena Eagan, associate professor and director of Brody’s medical humanities and ethics distinction track. “Dana doesn’t just chase opportunities; she deliberately chooses paths that ignite her passion while grounding her in reality.”

A Promising Path Ahead

ECU medical student Dana Shefet visited India after her first year at the Brody School of Medicine, helping care for people in rural communities as part of the Himalayan Health Exchange. (Contributed photo)

While Shefet has gained extensive knowledge through her classroom experiences, she has also discovered invaluable skills derived from her mix of diverse experiences and worldviews. Her unique ability to recognize and cherish the shared connections among individuals, communities, and cultures encourages collaboration and fosters understanding across diverse backgrounds.

“I’ve known I wanted to be a doctor since I was 10 years old,” Shefet expressed passionately. “I had a clear vision of my future, and when I applied to EC Scholars, I noted that my dream was to graduate from Brody as a Brody Scholar and enter family medicine. Today, I am realizing that dream— a culmination of aspirations that have guided me since childhood.”

From the pivotal moment she received the scholarship, Shefet embraced every opportunity the program presented, including exposure to research and enriching experiences abroad. “Every research project I participated in and every experience I encountered came up in my residency interviews,” she noted, emphasizing the profound impact of the support she received in shaping her vision for the future.

During her undergraduate years, Shefet excelled in various roles and activities: she served as Dean for a Day, embarked on trips to locations like Ocracoke and Washington, D.C., participated in the Chancellor’s Leadership Academy, attended Yale Summer Institute, led the Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators Association’s Scholar Conference, and navigated internships throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These formative experiences laid a strong foundation, leading her toward the ultimate goal of enhancing health and life quality in Eastern North Carolina through her work as a physician.

Committing to Community and Global Health

“Working alongside the community throughout my time at ECU instilled in me a sense of the importance of giving back to the place where I grew up,” Shefet recalled. “I recognized how pivotal it was to receive a primary care-focused education while contributing to the community that has shaped the person I am today.”

Dr. Todd Fraley, dean of the Honors College, remarked on Shefet’s commendable qualities, having worked along her in various roles during her academic career. “Dana has always been a pleasure to work with because of her curiosity, intelligence, friendly demeanor, and strong motivation. She has created numerous opportunities for growth and confidently pursued her aspirations.” Fraley added, “Dana embodies the ideal representation of a Brinkley-Lane Scholar and the Honors College experience. We are fortunate to have her as part of our community.”

Shefet’s dedication continues as she remains an influential figure for incoming Brinkley-Lane Scholars and Honors College students. “She is perpetually recognized as a leader and a trustworthy ally due to her strong ethics and cooperation skills,” Fraley reflected. “It has been an absolute pleasure witnessing her evolution into the remarkable individual she is today.”

In addition to her local engagements, Shefet partook in study-abroad opportunities with the British Heart Foundation in London and Northern Ireland, as well as travels to India and Israel during medical school. Each journey, she asserts, helped strengthen her connection to the place she envisions as home. “Coming back home continuously reaffirms a sense of community,” she reflected. “Greenville is where I grew up and transitioned into adulthood. The overwhelming support I feel here has remained a constant, even during my adventures abroad.”

During a meaningful internship in London in 2019, Shefet experienced a moment of pride when discussing a known cardiac procedure—the da Vinci robot utilized in minimally invasive heart surgeries, which originated at her university. “I remember proudly telling the CEO, ‘That’s my university!’” she recalled, reflecting on her sense of affiliation and pride.

Envisioning a Future in Medicine with Global Perspectives

Upon obtaining her undergraduate degree in public health, complemented by minors in mathematics, nutrition, and natural sciences in 2021, Shefet eagerly set her sights on the Brody School of Medicine as a Brody Scholar. This scholarship not only covers full tuition and fees but also includes most living expenses throughout four years of medical school. Such financial freedom allows scholars like her to pursue their passions without the looming burden of debt post-graduation.

“Receiving the call informing me I was selected as a Brody Scholar felt like an affirmation of my path. It was a full-circle experience in numerous aspects,” Shefet shared, reflecting on that pivotal moment. Almost immediately, her commitment to family medicine flourished as she recognized its ability to enable her to nurture connections with patients across all ages.

“Family medicine allows me to engage deeply with patients and their families as whole individuals rather than just cases,” she elaborated. “I wanted to attend a program focused on primary care, allowing me to fully reach my potential as a family medicine practitioner.”

Shefet leveraged her experiences as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar to visualize her medical career trajectory. “While I may have been overly focused early on, I discovered various pathways that sparked my interest in areas like advocacy and nutrition education,” she admitted. “I fully immersed myself, and everything has unfolded as I had envisioned”

After her initial year in medical school, her participation in the Brody Scholars Summer Enrichment Program led her to the Spiti Valley in India, where she collaborated with health care professionals and medical students through the Himalayan Health Exchange to contribute to medical service delivery in a culturally rich, underserved area. “We served in ten different villages, helping around 850 patients,” she stated. “The hands-on experience of learning primary care in a global context left a profound impression on me.”

This global experience, paired with initiatives like teaching nutrition classes at local Head Start daycares and volunteering with cancer patients, expanded Shefet’s worldview while simultaneously feeding her desire to return home enriched with new skills and perspectives. “I’ve journeyed across different countries and states, yet I firmly believe North Carolina is the finest place to live, and I stand by that assertion,” she confidently proclaimed. “In the long run, I envision myself settling back in the state that has offered me so much support.”

Her family has played an integral role in nurturing her dreams and aspirations. Over the years, her parents have tirelessly proofread applications and visited Greenville for quick yet uplifting dinners throughout Shefet’s academic journey. “My family’s unwavering support—whether it was accompanying me for Selection Sunday in 2017 or cheering me on through every stage of my journey—has been a crucial aspect of my success,” she reflected. “They’ve consistently encouraged me without pressure, providing the assurance that I could explore my passions freely.”

This past year, Shefet ventured to Israel, where she spent a month shadowing a family medicine physician while reconnecting with cherished family members in Tel Aviv. These close-knit family ties play a pivotal role in envisioning her own practice, where she hopes to cultivate meaningful relationships with both her patients and their families. “Dana embodies the type of physician I would want for myself or my family,” commented Dr. Eagan. “She is not only intelligent and competent, but she genuinely cares for people, viewing health holistically and aspiring to guide patients toward healthier lives.”

Dr. Amanda Higginson, Brody’s associate dean for student affairs and clinical sciences, expressed her enthusiasm upon seeing Shefet match into family medicine. “Dana is poised to use her charisma and skills to foster inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels valued and welcomed,” Higginson said. “Students like Dana, who display enthusiasm and engagement, positively invigorate the teaching environment, motivating educators to elevate their teaching efforts.”

Brody classmate Cara Girardi formed a close friendship with Shefet shortly after arriving at medical school, a bond that will only strengthen as they embark on their careers together. “Dana has been a fundamental part of my journey at Brody, influencing many others as she actively invests in not only her success but also in the achievements of those around her,” Girardi expressed. “Her remarkable ability to connect with others within and outside the clinical realm has always left me in awe.”

As an ambassador for both the Honors College and the Brody School of Medicine, Shefet’s contributions have positioned her for future success. “We intentionally seek to recruit and retain bright talents in the Honors College, and Dana exemplifies what that looks like,” remarked Dr. Eagan. “Her passion seamlessly aligns with Brody’s mission to support her as she pursues her goals, providing her with a robust foundation to become the kind of physician our community desperately needs.”

ECU medical student Dana Shefet served as Dean for a Day during her undergraduate career in the Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. (Contributed photo)

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