Dreams fulfilled

Medical student hopes to become rural family physician
Vital Signs » Winter 2018
Rural Doctor
Growing up in rural Northeast Ohio, many of Mitchell Weeman’s friends didn’t expect to go to college. In fact, his high school’s curriculum was geared toward qualifying students to get jobs immediately after graduation. 
 
Now a second-year student at the Boonshoft School of Medicine, he almost didn’t attend college, instead taking a year off to help run his family’s dairy farm after his father injured a knee. The time off allowed him to reflect and figure out what he wanted to do. He was able to volunteer in a care home dedicated to helping Amish women who have been domestically abused. 
 
And though he enjoyed the hard work and responsibility of helping his family’s dairy business, he realized that he wanted to be in a more direct position to help people. He attended college with the ultimate goal of becoming a doctor, backed by the character-building experiences of his upbringing and his friends and family.
 
“I chose the Boonshoft School of Medicine because it has a strong community mindset just like mine. We’re working together in an environment that nurtures learning and growth,” Weeman said. “I feel like everyone here is helping me to reach my goal of returning to my hometown and serving as a family physician.”  
 
None of this would be possible without the support he’s received. “I am truly grateful to those who contribute to medical school scholarships,” Weeman said. 
 
Last edited on 01/31/2018.