Reflections from a Shovelin Scholar
Duke and Dot Kimbrell created the Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship Fund in 2009 as a competitive funding program for exceptional high school seniors pursuing careers in healthcare. The chosen recipient not only receives a scholarship, but every year, they are invited to spend the summer interning at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. This thoughtfully planned internship allows the Shovelin Scholars to rotate through various clinical areas in the health system and experience healthcare first hand.
For Victor Ohiole Ilevbare, the 2018 Shovelin Scholarship recipient, the road to success has not always been easy. Born in Nigeria, Victor first began his education in a strict Catholic boarding school where, even at an early age, he mentored and tutored other students - always believing those around him deserved the chance to learn. As he progressed in his studies and observed the struggles of his family and those in his community, he began to understand that his calling was to make a difference in the lives of those who surround him.
He is now a rising sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergraduate studies and just completed his first summer internship at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. He shared his thoughts with us on his experience and his hopes for his future.
As a Shovelin Scholar, you are preparing for a career in healthcare. Has your experience this summer inspired a particular area of focus?
I had always thought, and came into the internship thinking that infectious disease would be my preferred focus. But this summer presented me with so many different experiences, I am now open to considering a variety of fields. General and trauma surgery stood out to me and, of course, radiation oncology. I want a field that is hands-on, and I really appreciated learning about medicine in this environment instead of just out of a textbook.
Was there any specific experience this summer that is particularly memorable for you?
CaroMont Regional Medical Center’s Robotic Surgery Program was a real highlight. Learning and observing about this approach to surgery was so interesting. I believe strongly it’s the future of surgery and loved my exposure to its uses.
Also, personally connecting with the doctors and professionals at the hospital and creating bonds with them has been so memorable. I really enjoyed working with Dr. Graydon Stallard in the Operating Room, Dr. Sean Lynch in the Birthplace, and Dr. Jerome Butler and my new “sister,” Courtney Meyer, PA-C, both in the CaroMont Cancer Center. They all offered their time and knowledge to me, and I hope that I will continue to keep in touch with them and see them next summer when I come back for my second year internship.
What are you most looking forward to for the 2019-2020 school year?
I learned a lot during my first year of college and I’m looking forward to taking that knowledge and navigating a productive sophomore year. I’m excited to see my friends and connect with my professors. This summer has been great exposure to my future career field and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
To learn more about the scholarship programs at CaroMont Health, visit our website.