Meet Blake Eisnaugle, the new academic & career advisor in COM Student Affairs
COM Student Affairs recently welcomed Blake Eisnaugle as the newest member of the team!
What is your role at NEOMED?
I will serve as an academic and career advisor in College of Medicine Student Affairs. In this role, I will help to develop career goals with a cohort of medicine students starting at the time of matriculation through graduation, counsel and advise individual students based on an assessment of career goals and aspirations, and address curricular, performance and scheduling concerns.
What led you to NEOMED?
I grew up surrounded by nurses, my mom and four of my aunts, who initially encouraged me to pursue a career in healthcare. However, my passions led me down a different path that also involved helping others. I was drawn to NEOMED because I get to work with students who are pursuing careers that create meaningful, positive change in the lives of others. I am inspired by the opportunity to help students discover who they are and navigate their next steps. Additionally, as a Northeast Ohio native, I was excited for the chance to return to my roots and give back to the community that shaped me.
What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?
My goal in the role is to help students discover what’s next for them by exploring who they are at their core. I believe that understanding who they are is essential in finding the right fit, not just in their career, but also in the life and lifestyle they want to create. By aligning their next steps with both their professional aspirations and personal fulfillment, I aim to help them build a future that feels authentic and meaningful.
What inspired you to work in your profession?
I was inspired to work in this profession because of my own experience figuring out my path. When I started college, I struggled to find the right fit and ended up changing majors, but with the help of some fantastic people, I was able to make decisions that fit with my interests and strengths. That experience made me realize how valuable it is to have someone guide and support you during times of uncertainty. Helping students explore their options, understand themselves better, and take meaningful next steps toward their goals is really what gets me excited and keeps me going in my work!
Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland and I currently live in Cuyahoga Falls.
Tell me about your family. Any pets?
Both my parents are hard-working Clevelanders. My mom is an oncology nurse with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. I have a brother who is 18 years younger than me, he was born in my senior year of high school. I also have a cat named Ken and I adopted him from the humane society two years ago. He is super cute, and I am always willing to show pictures!
What’s your favorite book or book you’ve been recommending lately? Why?
My favorite books are the Dune series. I loved the movie, and the books were even better. I really enjoy sci-fi and diving into another world and it’s a great series if you would like to get lost in another world for a little while.
What do you do better than anyone you know?
I have two. First, I might just be the best supporter of terrible sports teams you’ll ever meet. I’m a die-hard Cleveland sports fan. I was even a Browns season ticket holder this past season (unfortunately). I also love going to Guardians and Cavs games, cheering as loud as I can and hoping someone can bring home a championship. Second, I am great at traveling on a budget. I’ve managed to visit LA, Arizona, and Japan in the last year without spending a fortune by finding some amazing deals on hotels and flights. So, if you ever need tips on traveling on a budget, feel free to ask!
What’s the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is “You are the protagonist it’s your life.” It’s from a show called Mob Psycho and it really resonated with me because it helped me understand I have the power to change my own life. It’s been a reminder to embrace life fully and live it on my own terms.