The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “Resilience” as “the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.” For a personified example of this, one needs to look no further than Deena Chanowitz (LCOM Class of 2022). From her troubled and at times chaotic upbringing in Israel, to her successful career in New York’s fast-paced culinary world as Chef Deena; her persistence against all odds has defined her life of resilience. Though despite her success, she yearned for something greater- that “something” would direct her to the Larner College of Medicine.
While the first year of medical school is hard enough, Deena continued to lead her business in New York and adjusted to life as a medical student as best she could- until she learned she was pregnant. Understanding that something had to give, Deena took the time she needed to deliver her child and sell her business for a fresh start. Two years later, she was back in the classroom.
Deena has never given up when faced with a challenge, instead she’s used these opportunities for innovation and personal growth. As a non-traditional medical student, she’s used her experiences outside the world of medicine to give her an advantage both in the clinical setting and at home with her husband and children. She encourages others to “not stress about being the best” and to focus on “being a balanced person and compassionate”. These are just some of the traits that continue to build on the foundation of resilience that has defined Deena’s life.
1 май 2021
