Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Hillsdale College Podcast Network Superfeed
Episode: From Summer Research as a College Freshman to Working in the Emergency Room
Host: Lily Faye Kramer (Career Services, Hillsdale College)
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Stovacek (Hillsdale '13, Emergency Medicine and Palliative Care Physician)
Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of "Beyond the Bubble" features Dr. Elizabeth Stovacek, a 2013 Hillsdale College alumna, who shares her journey from biology studies and summer research as an undergraduate to her dual career in emergency medicine and hospice/palliative care. The discussion provides valuable insights into the realities of medical practice, the value of a liberal arts background, and practical advice for aspiring pre-med students.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Dr. Elizabeth's Academic and Campus Life at Hillsdale

• Major/Minor: Biology major, Spanish minor.
• Campus Involvement: RA, Kappa Kappa Gamma member, American Chemistry Society, and led a program for disabled youth ("demain").
• Quote:
  “I was a biology major with a Spanish minor… at the time took over and ran a program for disabled youth wards of the state. That was a real blessing in my life too.” (01:56)

Career Path After Hillsdale

• Medical School & Residency: Attended Ohio State University (medical school), completed three-year emergency medicine residency in Cleveland, hybrid program at MetroHealth and Cleveland Clinic.
• Professional Roles:
  • Emergency medicine attending,
  • Fellowship in hospice and palliative care (Nashville, 2023–2024),
  • Currently splits time: ~80% emergency medicine, ~20% hospice/palliative medicine.
• Quote:
  "...now I've been doing 80% emergency medicine and 20% hospice and palliative medicine." (03:14)

A Dual Career: Day-to-Day Realities (03:21–04:35)

• Variety & Flexibility:
  • Emergency medicine shifts vary (mornings, evenings, nights); flexible schedule offers unexpected free days.
  • Hospice/palliative care is a more traditional Monday–Friday, 9–5 schedule.
• Work-Life Balance:
  "It's nice because I can have a Monday... off on a Monday and ran errands and brought lunch to a friend who just had a baby." (03:31)
• Observation:
  "After my years of being an ER doctor, I don’t know how people do the Monday–Friday grind. It’s much more difficult than I realized." (04:18)

The Impact of a Hillsdale Liberal Arts Education (04:35–06:20)

• Problem Solving Beyond Science:
  • Both specialties require thoughtful and ethical problem-solving skills, not just technical knowledge.
  • Hillsdale fostered logical thinking, confidence in morals/standards, and a commitment to patient dignity.
• Quote:
  "I think that Hillsdale prepared me to be a very thoughtful, logical problem solver, that I am confident in my own morals and standards. I am not easily pushed around. I am able to advocate for patients..." (05:15)
  • Even if not recalling specific books, Hillsdale’s liberal arts foundation continually informs her practice.

Real-World Challenges in Medicine (06:20–07:30)

• Difficult Patient Scenarios:
  • Addressing non-medical needs: housing for a homeless mother and infant, safety for an autistic teen, care for an Alzheimer’s patient.
  • ER as a social safety net, requiring creative solutions in partnership with social services, pregnancy centers, churches.
• Quote:
  “You can't just let them out into the wild as we say, we have to find a place for them to live.” (06:28)

Research and Academic Influences (07:30–11:17)

• Summer Experiences:
  • Freshman summer at the biological station for ecology class—“a great way to learn.”
  • Took the required Constitution course solo, describing it as a science-brain highlight.
  • Senior summer devoted to biology research.
• Influential Classes:
  • Dr. Schlitter’s Intro to Philosophy: shaped her approach to logic, reason, and medical ethics.
  • Quote:
    “All of medicine is non-stop bioethics… if you’re not interested in bioethics, you maybe shouldn’t go into medicine at all.” (08:42)
• Undergraduate Research:
  • Worked with Dr. Miller on neurodevelopmental research focusing on the effects of alcohol on embryos.
  • Found evidence suggesting alcohol’s harmful effects occur earlier in pregnancy than many realize.
• Quote:
  “The effects of alcohol on embryos are basically occurring earlier than we realize and that you would even realize before you knew you were pregnant.” (11:13)

Advice for Aspiring Medical Students (09:17–12:50)

• Preparation:
  • Medical training is arduous and requires sacrifice; only pursue it if you’re truly passionate.
  • Value of camaraderie: having a friend during the MCAT and application process made it manageable.
• Insights on Standing Out:
  • Engage deeply in genuine interests and experiences, not just ‘check-the-box’ activities.
  • Hillsdale students are “perfect” med school candidates due to their broad skill set and unique passions.
  • Quote:
    “Medical schools don’t want cookie-cutter applicants… pursue things during your time in undergrad that you are passionate about.” (11:35)
  • Interviewers are far more interested in authentic enthusiasm and diverse experiences than compliance with typical pre-med templates.
• Final Advice:
  “We are all made individually and uniquely and our interests matter… It’s much more interesting to talk to people… who have done things that are interesting to them and that they’re passionate about.” (12:30)

Notable & Memorable Quotes

• “I am able to advocate for patients and what they deserve as human beings with dignity, no matter how much money they make or what race they are...” – Elizabeth Stovacek (05:23)

• “After my years of being an ER doctor, I don’t know how people do the Monday–Friday grind. It’s much more difficult than I realized.” – Elizabeth Stovacek (04:18)

• “All of medicine is non-stop bioethics… if you’re not interested in bioethics, you maybe shouldn’t go into medicine at all.” – Elizabeth Stovacek (08:42)

• “If there’s anything else that you can think of doing, you should probably do that thing and not medicine. Not because medicine isn’t great, but… it’s hard and takes a lot of years and sacrifice.” – Elizabeth Stovacek (09:31)

• “Medical schools don’t want cookie-cutter applicants. They’re looking for people who can have a conversation and… are problem solvers.” – Elizabeth Stovacek (11:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:56: Elizabeth’s Hillsdale background and campus involvement
• 02:29: Medical school, residency, and dual career trajectory
• 03:24: Day-to-day life and balancing two specialties
• 04:47: The role of Hillsdale’s education in medical ethics and problem-solving
• 06:27: Real-world ER challenges and social service coordination
• 07:35: Summer research and influential classes at Hillsdale
• 09:25: Applying to medical school and advice for undergraduates
• 10:44: Undergraduate research experience
• 11:35: Stand-out tips for pre-med students and the importance of authenticity

Tone and Style

Throughout, Elizabeth Stovacek’s tone is earnest, practical, and encouraging, blending frank advice with personal reflection. The conversation remains conversational, direct, and infused with the values of service and ethical responsibility fostered during her time at Hillsdale.

This episode is particularly useful for current students considering a career in medicine, revealing both the professional realities and the formative power of a liberal arts education in navigating complex, human-centered work.