NAME: Josh East
SPECIALTY: Neurology
RESIDENCY MATCH: Indiana University School of Medicine
REACTION: “I couldn’t be happier. Match Day was nerve-racking at the beginning. I was anxious and excited, but I loved it. Lots of my friends are staying here – so I am super excited about keeping a lot of friends and looking forward to making new ones too!”
From motocross to medicine
Josh East grew up in New Palestine, Indiana. Unlike many Hoosier kids, he didn’t spend his weekends on baseball diamonds or basketball courts. Instead, he spent them on the ragged terrain and steep ramps of dirt bike courses in the Midwest. Also a self-proclaimed “science nerd,” East completed his undergraduate degrees in neuroscience and psychology at IUPUI School of Science.
East’s interest in neurology is influenced by his first-hand experiences seeing his family live with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis. His passion for the field was solidified after spending time in medical school with neurology faculty and residents.
“IU School of Medicine was fantastic in preparing me for residency,” said East. “There are amazing clinical rotations here in Indianapolis and the people in neurology were kind and helpful. I could tell that they feel passionate and rewarded by their work.”
Making connections
One of East’s favorite moments in medical school is when he presented a patient’s case at Neuroscience Grand Rounds with Joanne Wojcieszek, MD, assistant professor of clinical neurology.
“I was working with [Dr. Wojcieszek] in clinic on the day the patient first presented, which is how I came to be involved in the patient’s care,” East said. “It was a wonderful experience to be able to share what I learned with so many incredibly smart people. It was an even greater experience to be a part of a team that successfully diagnosed and treated the patient, who showed an amazing improvement after treatment.”
East is president of the Student Interest Group in Neurology at IU School of Medicine. This year, the group’s focus has been on creating more networking opportunities. Social mixers and “neuro talks” have been hosted to provide a relaxed environment where students can meet residents and faculty, ask questions and prepare for life after medical school.
