Student Spotlight: Victoria Rogness

Tell us briefly about yourself.

I was born in Colorado but grew up in Minnesota. I went to the University of Minnesota for my undergrad and majored in neuroscience and genetics. I decided it was time for better weather (at least by a few degrees!) and came to Ohio to attend CCLCM, where I am now in my fifth year. I am applying into internal medicine residency and hope to pursue hematology-oncology or palliative medicine after.

Why did you choose CCLCM?

I loved the idea of learning in an environment focused on growth and reflection rather than just grades and tests. The culture here encourages curiosity, collaboration and honesty about both strengths and weaknesses.

What is one of your favorite experiences at CCLCM thus far?

One highlight was working with fellow student Emily Knott (’26), Venkatesh Kambhampati, MD, and Shetal Shah, MD, to help teach the ultrasound pilot course for first-year students. Ultrasound is becoming such an important part of modern clinical practice, and helping to teach it strengthened my skills. It was also fun to connect with underclassmen and share some of what I had learned.

What have you discovered about Cleveland that you especially enjoy?

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is a hidden gem. It’s free for students and a particularly lovely reprieve in the winter. The indoor exhibits feature different biomes, so you can experience warmth, humidity and green space.

Tell us about your research year project.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Adrian Wiestner, MD, PhD, at the National Institutes of Health to study chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a cancer of mature B cells. One of my main projects focuses on clonal evolution, examining the complex interplay between driver mutations, the tumor microenvironment and growth of specific clones. I also had the chance to be involved with a phase II clinical trial analyzing the long-term outcomes of patients treated with ibrutinib. I’m currently working on the final revisions for this paper and hope to see it published soon! Having the chance to combine translational and clinical research was a tremendous learning experience and gave me a much deeper appreciation for bench-to-bedside research.

How do you manage stress?

The same way I manage everything else, with an evidence-based approach! Cats are proven blood pressure reducers, though those that have met my spicy cat, Lamb, might disagree. Additionally, green space is psychologically restorative, exercise lowers stress hormones and commiseration with friends is validating.

What advice would you give to new CCLCM students?

There will always be more to learn, but it’s important to set boundaries and not lose sight of life outside of school. Making space for the people and activities you love will help keep you sane and grounded.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I have read almost half of the Pulitzer Prize winners in the fiction category and am working my way through the rest!