Student Spotlight: Paras Shah

For Paras Shah (’23), one of the most endearing aspects of Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine is the warm welcome with which he was greeted from the get-go.

“Looking back, choosing Lerner was one-hundred percent the right decision. I feel that the students are so much closer to one other than at most other med schools. I feel like I could reach out to anyone in our class and we would have a great conversation, regardless of how often we’ve actually interacted. The camaraderie is super unique to our program.”

When COVID hit during his second year of school, Paras said it was hard to go from seeing his classmates on the floor every day to not seeing them at all. After the students returned to school in person, that first week back felt incredibly rewarding.

“It was so exciting to see those people again. I think it shows how close we are as a class.”

Originally from Orange County, Calif., Paras completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA. When searching for medical schools to apply to, CCLCM hadn’t initially come up in his search.

“A friend of mine mentioned she was applying to Lerner, and I immediately asked, ‘What is that?’ I didn’t even think I would get an interview! I applied because I liked what I read about the program; it seemed interesting. It was so exciting when I landed an interview.”

After Paras was accepted, everyone at CCLCM was supportive and helpful in guiding him through the process, he says.

“Obviously the free tuition is a big draw, but what was really alluring to me was the small class size. Everyone matched really well, and I just really liked the community. I felt like Lerner would help me accomplish my career goals.”

Since then, Paras has found his passion within anesthesiology. Initially, he started out with orthopaedic surgery as his focus, but in the middle of his third year, he made the switch to anesthesiology. Still, although his interest in clinical specialty has changed, his main goal has stayed the same: to become a physician scientist. As well, his passion for academic medicine has remained steady. He wishes to teach and have a role in medical education.

“Lerner showed me that I value the thinking process of medicine and understanding why we’re doing things. I like having a deeper knowledge of what’s happening with patients; I think that’s what drew me to anesthesia.”

Outside of his studies, Paras can be found engaging in a number of sports including basketball, swimming, recreational volleyball and golf, which has become a warm weather staple activity for him and his friends. This year, he’s planning to tackle a triathlon, barring a relapse from a prior ACL injury.

When asked for advice he would give his underclassmen, Paras says, “Be team-oriented! Lerner facilitates team environments with the small class sizes, so it’s in your best interest to use that to your advantage.”