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.