Eric Donohue’s journey as a member of the #ElksFamily began in 2018, when he was named a Top 20 Most Valuable Student scholar.

“I was truly blessed to be welcomed into the vast support network that is the Elks,” says Donohue, sponsored by Islip, N.Y., Lodge No. 2533. “The MVS scholarship paved the highway on my road trip of life, providing a smoother and more accessible path.”

Whether it was on the proverbial road of life or the literal road of asphalt and concrete, Donohue fully embraced his role as an Elks scholar. He traveled across the country to attend the 2018 MVS Leadership Weekend in Chicago, the 150 for 150 Service Trip and celebration in San Antonio in 2018, and the 2023 Winter Scholar Service Trip in Tampa.

“The ‘#ElksFamily’ is such an appropriate designation for what this program cultivates,” says Donohue. “I have met countless ENF relatives who continue to inspire me. I have made lasting friendships and still stay in touch with many of my fellow 2018 MVS scholars and Tampa service trip scholars, even making plans to meet when in the same city!”

Donohue’s interest in medicine was inspired by the altruistic nature of his community when one of his family members dealt with a near-fatal illness. To provide that same aid to others, Donohue volunteered for the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.

“Having experienced the difficulty of asking for help during times of isolation, I am grateful for these survivors’ bravery to depend on their community, and I feel fulfilled providing comfort and companionship to those enveloped in the isolation of illness,” says Donohue. “My connections with these women have shaped my vision of patient interaction to one that prioritizes authenticity and human connection.”

While he received his degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Virginia, Donohue researched the effects of plasma treatment on cell viability and began to engineer a treatment for muscle tissue loss. After medical school, Donohue will rely on this research, as well as his previous patient interactions, to provide care in emergency medicine and surgery.

“I will integrate my passions for engineering and medicine as a physician-innovator, employing my ingenuity to advocate for health equity within my community, country, and world,” says Donohue. “Receiving the Weigel Medical School Scholarship will further my drive and enable me to pursue even greater heights.”

With the Weigel scholarship, Donohue will attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to study emergency medicine.