Eliyahu Freund

Unlike many of his fellow students at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Eliyahu Freund grew up with a strong fear of doctors, hospitals and the medical field. “I spent a lot of time in hospitals and emergency rooms as a child, accompanying my mother, who was ill. I found these experiences scary,” he said. “My perspective began to shift when my mother’s physician took me under his wing. Seeing how he dealt with trauma and critical patients gave me an understanding of the responsibility and dedication required in the medical field.”

Now intrigued by the idea of a career in healthcare, Eliyahu stayed in touch with his mother’s physician, even shadowing him in the hospital as he grew older. “There was one moment that solidified my decision to become a doctor. After a particularly difficult overnight shift, he gave me a ride home. Despite his visible fatigue, he shared with me that knowing he was saving lives every day made all the challenges worth it. At that moment, I realized this was something I wanted to dedicate my life to as well,” he said.

Eliyahu began his journey to med school at Touro’s Lander College for Men (LCM). It was important to him to maintain a strong connection to his Jewish education while also pursuing his college degree. At LCM, Eliyahu found a perfect balance of rigorous academics alongside a commitment to yeshiva studies. “Touro allowed me to continue my religious growth while also pursuing my academic goals,” he explained.

LCM’s pre-med program helped ensure Eliyahu was prepared for medical school. In addition to the curriculum, which included a strong foundation in the sciences, the support and mentorship he received from the faculty were invaluable. “Dr. Shinnar, my mentor in college and the professor for my chemistry courses, was instrumental in my ability to gain admission to medical school. She dedicated hours upon hours, including several weekends, to helping me perfect my applications. She meticulously reviewed and proofread my personal statements and secondary applications,” he enthused.

With its commitment to its students and Jewish values, staying within Touro for medical school was a natural choice. “I’m glad I made the decision to continue at Touro for medical school. The connections I’ve formed with my fellow frum classmates have been key to my success in medical school. Being part of a community where most of the class and faculty recognize you by name provides a level of support and motivation that is truly unique. This community and support throughout the challenging journey of medical school was exactly what I needed to navigate the stresses of medical school,” he said. “The schedule at Touro, designed to accommodate religious observance, has allowed me to maintain my commitment to Shabbos and Yom Tov without interruption. Additionally, the biweekly shiurim and monthly Shabbatons at Touro’s New York Medical College in Valhalla have enriched my experience, offering spiritual nourishment alongside my medical studies.”

Looking ahead to the future, Eliyahu is still exploring the various fields of medicine while narrowing down to a specific specialty he wants to pursue. “What remains clear to me, however, is the importance of maintaining a good work-life balance. Medicine is a demanding profession, and I believe that achieving a balance between my professional responsibilities and personal life is essential for long-term fulfillment and well-being. I am also considering two potential paths for my career. One is to continue in New York City, where I have already built connections and where there are numerous opportunities to grow and excel in the medical field. On the other hand, I also feel a strong pull towards returning to Cleveland, where I grew up and where I have deep ties to the community. Serving my hometown and giving back to the community that supported me during my formative years is something I value greatly.”