ElevateMeD Scholar: Ejehi Erewele

Meet Ejehi Erewele

ElevateMeD Scholar 2023-2024

Ejehi Erewele describes her journey to medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.

Interview conducted by: Keiona Eady, @TheAuthenticMessenger

Video editing by: Deanna Reid, @TheSocialPhotog

• Hometown: Springfield, Illinois

• Medical Education: University of Illinois College of Medicine

• Undergraduate Education: University of Kentucky in Biology and Health, Society, & Populations

• Current Career Plan: My plan is to specialize in acute/chronic pain management as an anesthesiologist. Effective pain management is crucial to improve patients' quality of life and overall well-being. By pursuing this path, I aim to make a significant difference in the lives of those suffering from pain. Additionally, cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) in medicine is imperative to uplifting underrepresented physicians who understand and advocate for black and brown communities. Anesthesiology has traditionally lacked diversity, creating barriers for minority providers and leading to disparities in healthcare for patients. By promoting DEI, I can ensure equal access to high-quality care for all patients and create inclusive opportunities for providers. I intend to continue DEI work throughout my career by facilitating conversations and events about racial disparities in anesthesia and higher education, and supporting other professional organizations that believe in the same vision.

• Specialty Interest: Medical Specialty

• I am most proud of my three sisters. My older sister is an amazing mom and entrepreneur, my younger sister is a D1 track athlete pursuing her masters in actuarial science, and my youngest sister is an aspiring graphic designer. Despite facing adversity when we were younger, we were raised to persevere and work hard to accomplish our dreams. While we are each incredibly different, we share a hunger for success and a passion to be the best versions of ourselves. My heart is full joy when I think about how far we have come and what we have yet to accomplish together.

• You might be surprised to know that in my free time, I love to indulge in a variety of interests. You might find me listening to the smooth melodies of jazz music, embarking on cave explorations (sans histoplasmosis, of course), or enjoying the whimsical world of animation. As a huge Disney fan, I can often be found binging on classic films or seeking out the latest releases. I also have a soft spot for anime, and enjoy discovering new series to immerse myself in. Whether it's through music, adventure, or imagination, I always find ways to keep my free time exciting and fulfilling.

• ElevateMeD is… not just a program, it is a truly transformative experience that will have an impact for years to come. By supporting and empowering students from underrepresented backgrounds and linking them with like-minded mentors and organizations dedicated to promoting diversity in medicine, ElevateMeD is advancing not only the creation of a more inclusive physician workforce but also the reduction of health disparities and the enhancement of cultural proficiency amongst providers. As a future ElevateMeD Scholar, I am thrilled to become a part of this collective, where I will receive top-tier mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and financial wellness education, all while being surrounded by a supportive, like-minded, peer network. Through your investment in me, I hope to be an ambassador of the program and spread the word about the incredible impact ElevateMeD is having on medicine, the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement and ultimately, our communities.