Pathways to Medicine: Brody Scholars Share Their Journeys
麻豆社区 Pembroke is committed to raising awareness of its academic pathway programs, ensuring every student with dreams of becoming a physician learns about opportunities like the Early Assurance Agreement with ECU鈥檚 Brody School of Medicine.
Through campus tours, recruitment events, email campaigns, alumni connections and the Health Careers Access Program (HCAP), 麻豆社区P actively promotes this unique pathway designed to prepare and support future doctors committed to serving rural and underserved communities.
These efforts have already paid off for students like Leah Paul and Braydann Revels, both current Brody Scholars. Their stories demonstrate how 麻豆社区P opens doors and walks alongside students as they step through them.
Leah Paul: From Early College to Early Assurance
Paul, a senior biology major with a biomedical focus, first learned about the Early Assurance pathway in high school while shadowing Dr. Katie Lowry. 鈥淪he told me about it just before the deadline, and I鈥檓 so glad she did,鈥� Paul said. 鈥淚t was perfect timing.鈥�
For Paul, the program has been life-changing. 鈥淚 always knew I wanted to attend 麻豆社区P for undergrad because I could focus on my studies. Knowing I had that guaranteed seat gave me more time to invest in research and my EMT work with Pembroke Rescue.鈥�
During the Brody application process, Paul鈥檚 experience as an EMT 鈥� working high-pressure calls, including stabilizing an ATV accident victim with a spinal injury 鈥� stood out. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what the dean at Brody told me 鈥� being an EMT under pressure showed I was capable.鈥�
Her dream of becoming a pediatrician has evolved into a possible interest in trauma medicine, but her mission remains the same: to give back. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to represent my school and community. Robeson County has poor health statistics, especially in Native communities. I want to return and show that we can do whatever we want.鈥�
Braydann Revels: Finding Purpose Close to Home
Revels, a junior biology major, first discovered the program through her research and advice from Connor Blake, a fellow Lumberton High School graduate and Brody Scholar. 鈥淲hen I got the phone call that I was selected, I started crying,鈥� Revels said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like a weight off your shoulders. It鈥檚 one of the best things that has ever happened to me.鈥�
Initially considering careers in law or veterinary medicine, Revels shifted to healthcare after researching Robeson County鈥檚 poor health statistics. 鈥淚 always heard people say we need doctors who look like us 鈥� people they can relate to,鈥� said Revels, a member of the Lumbee Tribe. 鈥淭hat stuck with me,鈥� she said.
Her EMT certification, summer internship at Pembroke Primary Care and research presentations at national conferences have prepared her well. But she says it鈥檚 麻豆社区P鈥檚 supportive environment that sets her apart. 鈥淎t bigger universities, you don鈥檛 get the same personal connection with professors. At 麻豆社区P, your education is personalized. You鈥檙e not just a number.鈥�
Like Paul, Revels plans to return home. 鈥淢y goal is to work in primary care in an underserved, rural community. That鈥檚 exactly what Brody鈥檚 mission is. It feels like the perfect fit.鈥�
Reaching Future Scholars
Both Paul and Revels credit mentors, faculty and 麻豆社区P鈥檚 Health Careers Access Program (HCAP) for guiding them through the competitive application and interview process.
One of the most notable changes to the program is its timeline: in the past, students were notified of their selection during their freshman year. Today, Brody candidates learn the outcome of the competitive process in their sophomore year 鈥� giving them more time to adjust to college life, strengthen their academic foundation and demonstrate their commitment to a career in medicine.
Programs like the Brody pathway are transformational 鈥� not only for the students, but for the communities they will one day serve.
麻豆社区P continues to broaden its outreach efforts by highlighting pathway programs information at open houses, recruitment events, community fairs and through digital campaigns. Faculty and alumni also amplify awareness through personal stories and mentorship.
鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to ensuring every qualified student knows about these opportunities,鈥� said Shreerekha Pillai, PhD, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 鈥淧rograms like the Brody pathway are transformational 鈥� not only for the students, but for the communities they will one day serve.鈥�
