ElevateMeD Scholar: Emily Sowah
Meet Emily Sowah
ElevateMeD Scholar 2023-2024
Emily Sowah shares how she became inspired to pursue medicine, understanding the cost, and becoming an ElevateMeD Scholar.
Interview conducted by: Keiona Eady, @TheAuthenticMessenger
Video editing by: Deanna Reid, @TheSocialPhotog
Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma
Medical Education: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Undergraduate Education: The University of Oklahoma in Biology & Psychology (dual-degree)
Current Career Plan: become a Pediatrician and possibly further specialize in Emergency Medicine or Hematology/Oncology. Additionally, I plan to open a clinic where I can help underserved communities and populations!
Specialty Interest: Medical Specialty
I am most proud of how far I have come in life! My parents immigrated to the United States to give my brother and I endless opportunities. Because of them, I have been able to work towards my dream of becoming a physician. I am proud to know that I have seized every opportunity that has crossed my path. These opportunities focus on serving others more than myself, from serving my school and peers to local and global communities. A specific role that I am very proud of is serving as the SGA President at my medical school over the past year. I have helped advance my school via my time working on multiple committees. I have boosted morale with fun events and activities to provide students an outlet to relax and opportunities to grow in their own leadership styles. With this role, I have also advocated for the osteopathic and medical profession as a whole at the state and national level. Overall, I am proud of becoming a person that has left an impact on the many lives of others.
You might be surprised to know that I am a second generation Ghanaian-American! My parents immigrated to the US from Ghana almost 30 years ago. Though I was born and raised in the US, my parents raised my brother and I with a deep understanding of our culture. From understanding our native language and traditions to learning how to cook traditional food, being Ghanaian is something I am proud of that you wouldn't know unless you talk to me! You may also be surprised to know that I have sickle-cell anemia, another thing you wouldn't know about me from first impression. Throughout my life, I have learned to live with my condition and not let it limit me from reaching my goals!
ElevateMeD is… a huge blessing! ElevateMeD is an aid that I will use to support myself as I continue on this journey of becoming a physician. As a first-generation future physician, I have had to navigate this process with little guidance, but I know that I will have endless support, mentorship, and guidance moving forward because of ElevateMeD! Becoming a physician is not an affordable venture at all, but ElevateMeD is dedicated to decreasing the financial burden required of students embarking on this journey!
