Good Medicine
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes Research Internship at Cleveland's MetroHealth Medical Center
Name: Luke Przybys '26
Hometown: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
High School: Saint Ignatius High School
Majors: Neuroscience and Pre-Medicine
Minors: Chemistry and Psychology
OWU Connection Experience: Przybys completed a 10-week summer research internship at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio
During his internship, Przybys worked on a project to improve treatment protocols for premature infants. He also shadowed medical practitioners at MetroHealth, an acute care hospital with a Level I Adult Trauma and Burn Center that records 1 million patient visits each year. Przybys was one of 15 college undergraduate students selected to complete clinical laboratory research at MetroHealth this year through the hospital's Chester Summer Scholars Program.
My Internship
"I chose this experience because it ultimately aligned with my personal and career goals. First, I desired to work in a clinical setting because I would have the opportunity to pursue top-tier research, shadow physicians, and build connections with patients and various physicians. Also, the research I would be doing would significantly impact the most vulnerable patients and the treatments they received. Finally, I was attracted to the mission of MetroHealth and its pursuit to accept all patients.
"As I grew up under a public servant, I have always had the desire and passion for serving the underserved and those who need support and help. So, I knew this experience would allow me to tie in my passions for medicine and creating health equity."
Lessons Learned
"I learned something that will always stick with me. …For context, I produced an experiment that has significant implications. However, I rejected my hypothesis. I was initially ashamed of this, but I quickly realized that a rejected hypothesis is not a negative study; it is positive and will allow researchers and physicians to use my study to investigate the question of interest further.
I want to return to MetroHealth as a physician in the future, as this place truly felt like home and where the mission statement aligned with my values.
"I also learned another lesson that provided me peace with my journey in medicine. … I also learned that I want to return to MetroHealth as a physician in the future, as this place truly felt like home and where the mission statement aligned with my values. During my experience, I witnessed textbook patient care at Metro and strive to replicate that in the future."
My Favorite Moment
"This is a challenging question because there was not a second that I did not enjoy my work. I want to share two moments. First, my research was critical for neonates' well-being because my work will ultimately change how neonatologists treat premature infants nationwide, especially at MetroHealth.
"My second favorite moment was my opportunity to shadow in various fields, especially orthopedic spine surgery, where I had a chance to work under an orthopedic spine surgeon who not only granted me hands-on experience but also led me in a way that granted me peace in the rigorous journey of pursuing medicine."
Mentoring OWU Professors
"Two professors have helped me and made my experience at OWU so special. Dr. Christopher Modica in the Psychology Department has mentored me since day one at OWU. He has helped me in various ways, such as conducting research, strategizing my academics and future plans, and, most importantly, allowing me to regain my confidence as a student.
"Dr. Danielle Hamill (in the Biological Sciences Department) has also been an important person and mentor in my academic career. Dr. Hamill has been significantly encouraging and has challenged me in ways that will undoubtedly benefit my academic and professional career. Dr. Hamill worked with me to work through my poor studying habits and create a new study regimen, which has allowed me to be a better student, do better in my courses, learn the content, and apply it to my career."
My Involvement Outside the Classroom
"On campus, I serve in a variety of different roles. I am a resident assistant in Smith Hall, the treasurer for the Pre-Health Club, work for the Sagan ARC (Sagan Academic Resource Center) as the Biology 120 tutor, and am a servant team leader for CRU and a board member of the Psychology Student Board."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
"I was attracted to the opportunity to work closely with my professors and the competitive science courses. I was undecided in some aspects. I have always wanted to pursue medicine, but, honestly, I left high school thinking I was not 'smart' enough. … However, after conversations with professors and an opportunity to gain clinical experience during my first year, I knew that I wanted to pursue medicine because of the greater good I could do for others."
My Plans After Graduation
"After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and become a physician. OWU has helped prepare me in many ways. One specific example is that my classes and labs have challenged me to think critically, work beyond my standards, and step out of my comfort zone, which will benefit me greatly."