Experience Profile: Annabelle Ludka and Michelle Yiu, Drexel Emergency Medical Services Leaders

Experience Profile: Annabelle Ludka and Michelle Yiu, Drexel Emergency Medical Services Leaders

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During their time at Drexel University, Annabelle Ludka '25 and Michelle Yiu '25 worked with Drexel Emergency Medical Services (DUEMS). DUEMS is a 911 response organization completely run by student volunteers that provides emergency medical care to Drexel's campus and the immediate community in University City, Philadelphia.

Through DUEMS, student volunteers render emergent, stabilizing aid until the Philadelphia Fire Department ambulance unit arrives to transport the patient. Ludka, who served as captain and quality assurance lieutenant, focused on fostering an educational environment for DUEMS members, while Yiu spearheaded recruitment, interview and orientation cycles as the membership development lieutenant and public relations officer.

Ludka now works as a patient care technician at Jefferson Health, and Yiu works as an emergency department technician at Penn Medicine.

Q: What did you learn about yourself and the world through your Drexel experience?

A (Annabelle Ludka): Drexel was the place where I grew both professionally and personally. Through Drexel EMS, I learned how to be a leader and a reliable team member. Drexel taught me how to navigate not only Philly but also the world. I learned how to be an independent adult and even ventured abroad for the first time through one of Drexel's Intensive Courses Abroad (ICA) in Cuba. I have grown immensely during my time here, and I am deeply grateful for all that Drexel has taught me.

A (Michelle Yiu): My Drexel experience strengthened my interests in pursuing the physician assistant profession while revealing my interests in community-based care and leadership. With the guidance and support of my peers in Drexel Emergency Medical Services and the Drexel Pre-Physician Assistant Club, I grew into leadership roles. It has shaped my understanding of the importance of meeting the community and connecting through medical education to fight against misconceptions of the healthcare system.

Q: How has your time at Drexel had a lasting impact on you as well as others?

A (AL): Everything I have learned at Drexel continues to follow me throughout my life as an alumnus. My involvement with Drexel EMS enabled me to create a long-lasting impact on campus and in the community. For each patient, I was a friendly face during an uncertain and frightening time. I sat with them, cared for them and ensured they received the highest-quality care possible.

One of my greatest joys has been seeing the members of Drexel EMS who I mentored step into leadership roles and influence the organization with their ideas and perspectives. It has reminded me that despite my graduation, all of my work continues on, and I am beginning to see the dreams I had for the agency come to life. Everything builds upon each other, and it's exciting to see what my work has empowered others to achieve.

A (MY): I feel that my experiences in mentorship at Drexel have had a lasting and meaningful impact on myself and others. Serving in member-facing roles allowed me to build meaningful connections with everyone who joined our organization. Being able to continue to educate the community regarding the physician assistant profession while providing supporting experiences has become a passion of mine.

Q: What was a uniquely Drexel moment that shifted how you think or what you wanted to do in the future?

A (AL): A memorable Drexel moment for me was during my ICA in Cuba, where I observed healthcare that emphasizes prevention. The lack of resources was eye-opening, and it was inspiring to see how resourcefulness and compassion are universal. I toured a medicinal farm and learned how a drug shortage led to increased use of medicinal plants. Witnessing how creativity, community and preventive care shape patient outcomes motivated me to provide thoughtful, prevention-focused care in my future career. My time in Cuba felt like the pieces of a puzzle coming together.

A (MY): While I came to Drexel knowing that I was interested in becoming a physician assistant, at Drexel I grew a greater interest in community-based health. Participating in Drexel EMS, I have treated the campus and local surrounding Philadelphia community, supporting patients of various ages and socioeconomic/educational backgrounds. I contributed to Vital Sign Clinics, Emergency Medical Service awareness, and CPR, Narcan and bleeding control training; events that were open to the local campus and the surrounding Philadelphia community.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is starting their Drexel journey?

A (AL): I would encourage them to get out there and try everything. Talk to new people, attend involvement fairs and explore the city. The relationships you build here will follow you for the rest of your life and shape who you become. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Live in the moment because these years truly do fly by. In addition, don't be afraid to lean on others and ask for help. Whether that be through tutoring or utilizing the counseling center, take advantage of the resources you have available to you. Drexel has so many amazing things in place to support its students, and when students use resources, it helps everyone.

A (MY): Try everything! Find something you are passionate about and build up from there. I made it a goal to always say yes to new opportunities; you never know who could influence you or make a big impact on your life. In addition to getting involved, I strongly suggest getting to know your professors. They want you to do well and will support you if you reach out! Many professors also have experience beyond lecturing. Some of my professors worked as pharmacists, physicians, researchers and more!

Lastly, the most crucial tip to becoming a Philly resident is to either become an Eagles fan or learn how to pretend to be one - especially if they make it to the Super Bowl again!

Q: Is there anything else the world should know about your Drexel experience?

A (AL): Drexel isn't just about classes; it's about discovering yourself and your potential. From challenging courses to transformative experiences like EMS leadership and studying abroad, Drexel pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined and prepared me to face the world with confidence and curiosity. I am very grateful for my time spent here, and I can't wait to watch the university continue to grow.

A (MY): From starting at Drexel with little to no work experience or social network to eventually finding my people, holding several leadership positions, working as an EMT, doing a co-op as a medical assistant and now working as an emergency department technician, I am extremely proud of myself. I wouldn't be where I am today without these experiences.