Emily Orell (C11)
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Even though Emily Orell (C11) is still pre-med, Northwestern has helped her develop a pretty good idea of where she fits in the medical profession.
“Altruism is a main reason why people get involved in the field as a whole,” she says. “But I think there is a lot to be said for helping kids in particular.”
Through the University, Orell has volunteered at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York. In the process, the native of Chappaqua, New York, believes she is particularly suited to the demands of working with children and their parents—she now hopes to become a pediatric surgeon.
“I feel like I have a special ability to communicate with kids and adults on a different level,” Orell says. “It just really fits who I am.”
A busy schedule seems to fit her well, too.
A Communication Sciences and Disorders major, Orell declared a Global Health minor last year after taking a 10-day trip to Honduras with Global Medical Brigades. On the trip, she and other Northwestern students joined 10 professionals in offering general medical care and pharmaceuticals to more than 1,500 people.
After the eye-opening trip, she began working with the Chicago-based service organization Better Existence with HIV. Orell performs a variety of program work, such as making educational outreach packets and attending events.
Additionally, Orell has undertaken a cancer research project with Dr. Jacqueline Jeruss at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study aims to uncover any link between the use of infertility drugs and an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Still, somehow, Orell finds a way to stay involved with the campus community as well. Last winter, she was elected vice president of programming for the Northwestern Class Alliance. She also serves as the philanthropy chair for the Tri Delta sorority and is involved in Ask Big Questions, an organization that encourages dialogue among students about important life issues.
“I like being busy,” Orell says with a smile. “One of my professor’s favorite quotes is that the leaders of the world are always tired.”
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Posted February 9, 2010.
