‘Med Student Mom’

'Med Student Mom'

Corrie Stofcho, M.D. ('06), has earned a list of impressive titles and accomplishments. However, "Med Student Mom" may be the one that makes her the proudest.

Feature photo caption: Corrie Stofcho (center) with Class of 2025 graduates Vissy Elad and Sofia Mesa on Match Day.

Dr. Stofcho earned the moniker by being the supportive person that students in the College of Medicine turn to when they need advice, help or just to see a friendly face on a difficult day. In her role as assistant dean of student affairs for the College, Dr. Stofcho provides support from orientation through graduation, with plenty of focus on preparing each student for their residency matches.

"The Class of 2025 was special to me, as it marked the first class I worked with from their arrival at NEOMED through the time they walked across the stage at Commencement," Dr. Stofcho noted.

She is more than familiar with the process of surviving medical school, earning her M.D. from NEOMED in 2006.

She also understands the challenges students may face.

"For many, the start of medical school is the first time they are not the standout student among their peers," said Dr. Stofcho. "This may be the first time they have ever struggled in an academic setting, and they aren't familiar with how to ask for help."

She makes it her mission to be sure that medical students know she is there to help, and her easygoing and friendly demeanor help students feel at ease.

"Sometimes, just being comfortable enough to ask for help is what's needed to get a student on the right path and find the support that we're happy to provide," she said.

Dr. Stofcho also serves the community in addition to the College of Medicine. Several times a month, Dr. Stofcho can be found at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, working as a pediatric hospitalist (specialist).

Even though it means she has to juggle that time with her full-time position at NEOMED, it's all worth it for Dr. Stofcho. She especially enjoys direct patient care and educating new mothers.

"The children are hilarious too, and it's rewarding to see kids feel better when they leave the hospital compared to how they felt when they arrived," she noted. "I've also become much better at balancing things to keep up with all the work hours on top of my personal life."

Photo: Corrie Stofcho addressed the College of Medicine class of 2025 on Match Day.

LEARNING LEADERSHIP

Dr. Stofcho learned how to be a productive leader as a member of the United States Navy. She was in her final year of undergraduate education when 9/11 occurred, and a meeting with recruiters from the U.S. Navy helped confirm her decision to join the military. She uses this experience in her current role at NEOMED to advise current students who have committed to future military service through the Health Professional Scholarship Program.

It's just another way Dr. Stofcho helps support the unique needs of military-connected students and their families.

"The military raises leaders, and now I am fortunate to have friends from all over the world," the proud Navy veteran exclaimed. "I would do it all over again."

While Dr. Stofcho wears many hats, she made it clear that her most important roles are wife to her high school sweetheart, Brian, and mother to their two sons, Tyler and Billy.

"Balancing my personal life responsibilities with my commitment to my students and my patients took me awhile to figure out, but it is worth it in the end!"