Elizabeth (Liz) Arbuckle and Sarah Markland were both inspired to become physicians from their interactions with other doctors.
Before going back to school, Liz worked in the healthcare sector as an IT consultant. She worked day in and day out with physicians, and those interactions fueled her desire to do more.
Sarah always knew she wanted to be a doctor, from a very early age. She believes that her sister was her biggest source of inspiration. “By the time she was 12, my sister was diagnosed with several intellectual and mental disabilities as well as Turner Syndrome.” Witnessing her sister’s doctors’ compassion and care solidified her love for the field. “They were rooting for her just as much as we were,” Sarah said. “They wanted her to be able to work, go to college, and to drive. I think the doctors inspired her too because they kept pushing her on.”
Liz and Sarah met during their first year of studies at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill. Their love of service and giving back to the community drew them both to the Schweitzer program. Sarah said, “This program is one of its kind for graduate students.” Their project – Acheiva-Schweitzer Health and Wellness Advocacy Program works with young adults with special needs from the Achieva Home of my Own and Empowered Voices programs. “We’re working with young adults who have different kinds of special needs,” Liz said. “All have an intellectual or cognitive disability, but many have physical disorders as well with their movement or vision.”
Through their project, they will provide support and education to participants who are seeking a more independent lifestyle. They will connect with their participants via Zoom, and they will cover a wide range of topics including developing and maintaining relationships, seeing doctors, nutrition, dating health, sexual health, and general health and wellness. “All lessons will be centered around core values such as coping, communication, personal and interpersonal wellbeing, and advocacy,” said Liz.
Liz and Sarah also hope that through their lessons, their participants can feel empowered and knowledgeable about their health and independence. “We want to teach them about interpersonal skills, relationships, and even first aid, Sarah stated. “We need to add an element of letting them take care of others, like animals, or plants. These things are important to living a whole life.”
Success to both Liz and Sarah means filling a need and supporting their population to reach their goals. “Success is going into the population of need and finding out what they need,” Sarah affirmed. “It’s finding out what their expectations are and getting their ideas on how you can best help them to accomplish their goals.” Liz agreed and added, “Success in service work is all about the outcomes for the receiving individuals. If at least one aspect of their lives is changed for the better, to me is success.”
Sarah and Liz are currently seeking guest speakers or those with certifications in technical skills, self-defense, or CPR.
