Lauren Menke has been interested in cardiology since she was young, but her decision to pursue a career in medicine was affirmed during a gap year between college and medical school.

She spent the year teaching English in a school and volunteering at a hospital in Spain, primarily visiting with patients in the incarcerated wing. These patients, who were either inmates or awaiting trial, received very few visitors while being hospitalized for various medical conditions.

“We often do not know why they are in jail or the life circumstances that led them to commit the crime that landed them there,” says Menke, a 2021 Most Valuable Student scholar sponsored by Greenville, Ohio, Lodge No. 1139. “What we do know is that they need care, both physically and emotionally.”

Though Spanish is not her primary language, Menke’s main role was to provide social accompaniment to the patients. She made small talk, listened to stories, and became a friendly face that could be trusted.

“Being a listening ear during a difficult time, especially for those who may not have many contacts, is part of the healing process,” says Menke. “This experience deepened my empathy for others and affirmed my decision to pursue medicine.”

As Menke starts medical school, she is confident that the skills she developed in Spain will help her down the road.

“I may be several years away from having the full responsibilities that come with donning a white coat, but I have already been practicing some of the skills it takes to be a great doctor,” says Menke, a 2024 Case Western Reserve University graduate. “No matter how many flashcards I study or how many patients I see, I will never forget that medicine is foremost a career of service and that is what truly motivates me to become a doctor.”

Service is at the heart of what it means to be an Elks scholar, and on the 2024 Winter Elks Scholar Service Trip in Phoenix, Menke was able to live out this value by volunteering alongside several of her fellow Elks scholars. Spending time with other scholars and meeting Elks at Mesa-Buckhorn, Ariz., Lodge No. 2656 showed Menke what it means to be part of the #ElksFamily.

“Being an Elks scholar means much more than receiving help paying for school,” says Menke. “It’s an opportunity to get involved with an organization that has a longstanding tradition of giving back to every community blessed to have an Elks Lodge.”

With the Weigel scholarship, Menke will attend the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine to study cardiology.