Student Spotlight: R’ay Fodor

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a fifth-year student at CCLCM, an ardent contemporary art apologist and a proud dog dad. Before coming here, I studied cognitive neuroscience and art history at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. My initial plan was to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, and I even did two years of research at the National Institutes of Health after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. Although research still holds a special place in my heart, I realized that working in the clinical setting was the most fulfilling path for me.

Why did you choose CCLCM?

Although I pivoted away from my original plan for a career in academia, research was still a big priority for me going into medical school. I looked for programs that took an integrated approach to clinical research and practice, and CCLCM stood out to me as the best of both worlds. I also fell in love with the school’s sense of community. CCLCM students are warm and collaborative, and it’s been an incredible experience and a privilege to study medicine in such an innovative and nurturing environment.

What’s been your favorite CCLCM experience so far?

Year 3 was the year where everything clicked for me; it showed me why all these years of studying and training were worth it and where they were leading. It put all the time spent in preclinical education into perspective. Seeing how all that information fit within the larger context of clinical practice made me very appreciative of CCLCM’s educational model and truly confirmed that I had chosen the right career path.

What are some of your clinical and research interests?

One of my favorite aspects of clinical research and practice within the field of plastic surgery is the sheer breadth. I realized this when I first became interested in the field and met Bahar Bassiri Gharb, MD, PhD, in my first year at CCLCM. From the first time I scrubbed in with her, she has given me so many incredible opportunities to develop my clinical and research skills. Her passion and guidance were a huge part of my decision to pursue integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery for residency.

Although my interests remain broad, I decided to spend my research year focusing on outcomes of reconstructive surgery following excision of squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp. I was very fortunate to be able to do a fellowship under Shlomo Koyfman, MD, a radiation oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center in tandem with mentorship from Dr. Bassiri. I find the topic of post-oncologic reconstruction particularly meaningful because it’s centered around both functional and aesthetic outcomes — both essential parts of wholeness and identity. It also highlights the interdisciplinary role of plastic surgery in facilitating multidimensional care. We specifically looked at how different types of scalp reconstructions fared in the context of treatment factors like postoperative radiation. I’m currently working on finishing up my thesis on the topic, and I’m very excited to share our results soon!

Do you have any advice for new medical students?

If you think you might be even a little interested in a particular clinical area, make use of your resources and reach out to potential mentors early. You never know where it might take you. I sent an email to Dr. Bassiri Gharb that snowballed into an entire career path, and I’m grateful to have felt so free to explore career options with experts like her. Chase after every opportunity that comes your way, and don’t be afraid to create your own.

How do you unwind outside of school?

My three favorite hobbies are cooking, photography and calligraphy. These are passions that I love to explore on my own, but also ones I’m that I’m very fortunate to share with my loved ones. As someone from a multicultural background, food is one of my favorite ways to forge connections and share experiences. I have a similar ethos behind my passions for photography and calligraphy, and I’m very fortunate to have been able to capture beautiful moments from important life experiences like friends’ engagements and make their weddings extra special with custom invitations, signage and ketubot. I’m doing my best to break the stereotype that doctors have bad handwriting! I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I enjoy spending time with my delightfully grumpy pup, Piglet. Although he can’t read, I’m sure he’ll be very happy to hear he’s gotten a shoutout.