user profile avatar

Marilee Clunk

2,005

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a rising fourth year medical student on a research year from June 2022-2023 at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital in the Department of Orthopedic Oncology. I aspire to work as an academic orthopaedic surgeon, and I am interested in DEI, patient safety, and medical student education.

Education

University of Toledo

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2019 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Medicine

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Master's degree program
2015 - 2017
  • Majors:
    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2011 - 2015
  • Majors:
    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Minors:
    • Chemistry
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

      Orthopedic Surgeon

    • Gold Humanism Honor Society Student Member

      Arnold P. Gold Foundation
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Academic Enrichment Center Peer Leader

      University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Student Advisory Board Member

      Journal of Orthopaedic Experience and Innovation
      2022 – Present2 years
    • Communications and Technology Committee Student/Resident Representative

      Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Student Worker

      UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
      2013 – 20141 year

    Sports

    Softball

    Varsity
    2008 – 20113 years

    Awards

    • First Team All Northeast Ohio

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2007 – 20103 years

    Research

    • Medicine

      Magee-Womens Research Institute — Clinical Lab Research Associate
      2017 – 2019
    • Medicine

      Massachusetts General Hospital — Graduate Student Research Fellow
      2021 – Present
    • Medicine

      University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine — Undergraduate Research Assistant
      2014 – 2015
    • Medicine

      University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine — Undergraduate Research Technician
      2011 – 2013
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

      University of Pittsburgh — Graduate Student Researcher
      2015 – 2017

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      RARE Compassion Program — Medical Student Volunteer
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Reading Buddy
      2016 – 2017
    • Volunteering

      UPMC Children's Hospital — Child Life Volunteer
      2015 – 2017

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Matthew J. Kauffman Memorial Scholarship
    “But you’re considered an alien, right?”––my sixth-grade history teacher adamantly repeated to me. I sat there quietly among my classmates, too stunned to speak out. My adoption papers said otherwise, but I understood his implication even at a young age. I did not fit. As a Korean adoptee who was raised in a tiny rustbelt city, I deeply value how it feels to find your fit among your peers, especially in medicine. As I completed my core clerkships, selecting my career path was an effortless choice. Rather than trying to fit into a specialty, I found that orthopaedic surgery fit me. Although I personally have an extensive orthopaedic history, I was ultimately driven to learn more about the field after my cousin’s ongoing journey with osteosarcoma as a college student. My cousin’s lasting bond with his orthopaedic oncologist transformed my understanding of humanistic and personalized care, especially as a surgeon. I resolved to create that same level of exceptional care for my patients. When I observed an internal hemipelvectomy for an invasive chondrosarcoma during my first year, I was totally engrossed by the complex anatomy, physical demand of the operation, and seemingly impossible physics of living without half a pelvis. I immediately sought out research opportunities. Because musculoskeletal oncology is a very limited service at my home program in Toledo, I pursued an external research year with Dr. Santiago Lozano Calderon at Massachusetts General Hospital within the Department of Orthopaedic Oncology to expand my career. My research year has provided a deeper insight into surgeon-scientists, clinical research process, and sharpened my ability to critical evaluate literature. As a lifelong learner, I have been determined to expand my quantitative analysis skills, and I taught myself several new programming languages during my research year. My projects have focused on surgical outcomes in patients with metastatic bone disease, as well as designing artificial intelligence calculators that predict systemic treatment responses for synovial sarcoma and pathologic fractures secondary to thyroid carcinoma. Research continues to teach me how to approach setbacks with creativity and how to work within a team. Throughout my undergraduate medical education, countless instances demanded teamwork. However, none captivated my interest like working together in the operating room. I loved the intense, quiet focus on the surgical field. I could tune out background clutter of the outside world, and all eyes were fixed on the problem at hand. Whether it was scrubbing into a complex revision arthroplasty or splinting a distal radius fracture, I quickly realized that I wanted a career where I could use my hands inside and outside of the OR. In many scenarios, patient problems were met with instant gratification, adding to my love of the field. Lastly, it is with immense excitement that I look forward to the next chapter of training as an orthopaedic surgery resident. I aspire to bring an unwavering dedication toward a growth mindset and a true passion for learning. I envision an academic career that blends clinical practice with research, and I am thrilled to explore everything a career in orthopaedic surgery has to offer. I am grateful to have found my calling, regardless of what my sixth-grade teacher thinks.