Lifting student voices, fostering unity, and advocating effectively are among priorities for this year’s OUWB Medical Student Government Executive Board.
That’s according to Courtney Shields, rising M2, and president of this year’s board.
The other board members are Sarah Sheena, vice president; Rani Randell, secretary; and Francis Wells, treasurer.
“We are receptive and want to know what matters the most to people,” said Shields. “I’m somebody that is always responsive, ready to listen, and take action when things are brought to me.”
By definition, OUWB Medical Student Government (MSG) “serves as the official representative body of the medical students to the OUWB administration, faculty, Corewell Health, Oakland University, and the community.”
“MSG strives to investigate, discuss, and act on issues pertinent to the student body; organizes and oversees committees and their work that is pertinent to the students and the institution; and serves as the fund allocation body for OUWB student organizations,” the definition continues.
“Also, MSG serves as the communication medium between the student body and institutional partners.”
Shields is from the suburbs of Cincinnati and studied agricultural and medical biotechnology at the University of Kentucky, focusing heavily on plant genetics and agricultural research.
A senior-year immunology course sparked a deep interest in immunology, leading to a postbaccalaureate position at the National Institutes of Health, where she spent three years studying HIV. During this time, Shields realized that she wanted more direct patient interaction, which motivated her to apply to medical school.
She chose OUWB because she wanted to be closer to home (about four hours away), along with the school’s emphasis on service and strong bioethics focus.
As a first-year medical student, Shields served as a class senator and said she saw how impactful it is when students feel comfortable bringing their concerns to someone who will listen and act. That’s why she ran for MSG president earlier this year.
“I realized how exciting and great of an opportunity it is to be able to be a voice for your class and be somebody that people feel comfortable enough to approach,” she said.
In addition to having an open-door policy, Shields said there are other ways the board will promote student success.
They plan to use MSG committees and social events to connect students. They will have town halls regularly and focus on topics like MSG goals and accomplishments, match data and residency application changes, or how to get involved in research.
Shields wants the town halls to be more conversation-based and interactive.
“It’s all about opening up doors for people to have opportunities to talk about the things that matter to them as opposed to just giving them information,” she said.
On a personal level, Shields said being involved in student government also contributes to her training to be a physician.
Specifically, it requires her to listen carefully, synthesize input, and connect people.
Further, she said, it serves as a reminder that leadership is about coordinating a team and not acting alone — a parallel she compares with the interdisciplinary teamwork required in patient care.
“There are so many people who are involved in take care of a patient,” she said. “Being able to integrate that all together is what really makes a leader.”
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For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].
To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.
