Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Capellini.
Hi Alexandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in NYC. At age seven, I was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in my right knee. I underwent chemotherapy and an above-the-knee amputation of my right leg. Soon enough, I was walking on a prosthesis and navigating life with limb loss. I was still a child when I finished cancer treatment, but even then, I sensed that medicine was a calling. I felt so cared for by my team of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists. I wanted to become a doctor like the ones that stood by my side. That motivation carried me through college at Johns Hopkins University, medical school at Mount Sinai, and then residency at the University of Michigan. Now, I am in my fourth year of Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency, applying to oncology fellowships. Along the way, I have found a voice in speaking up about my experiences as a young adult amputee. I aspire to keep connecting young adults who live with limb loss. Our adaptive community continues to offer support and perspectives that have changed how I experience life with one leg–for the better.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey into medicine has been a grind. It is a competitive path to pursue. I have consistently prioritized what I need to do to get to the next phase of training with the best opportunities for growth. That level of focus was necessary, and it came with sacrifices. That being said, I look back at my years in college, medical school, and residency with pride. I have found ways to maintain hobbies and time with family/friends while enjoying myself as a trainee. On the hardest days, I am grateful to train to be the best doctor I can be. I would choose this path each time.
My journey with limb loss has also come with challenges. I had to learn how to show care for my body, stop doubting my body, and take pride in my body. Gradually becoming involved in adaptive recreational sports–skiing, swimming, and rock climbing–helped me find ways to love my body for all that it can do. Shout-out to the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Adaptive Climbing Group, Adaptive Climbers Festival, Master’s swim clubs, and Amy Bream adaptive workouts!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a fourth-year resident in the Department of Internal Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of Michigan. I am most proud of my ability to show empathy to patients. Whether I am caring for a toddler or an older veteran, I find ways to connect with people, speaking with them in clinic or at the bedside in a hospital room. Learning my patients’ personalities and perspectives has been particularly rewarding. I may not relate to exactly what my patient is experiencing, but… navigating curveballs? Working with a body that does not always behave the way you want it to? Constantly adapting to your surroundings? Practicing patience while chasing long-term goals that can tire you out but require persistence? Wrestling with what is and is not in your control? I know something about that.
What matters most to you? Why?
More people feeling seen, heard, and appreciated. That is how we foster support for one another. That is how we bring out the best in each other. That is how we navigate the curveballs of life: focusing on what we can control, and then challenging ourselves to make something good of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexandracapellini.com/index.html
- Instagram: @alexandra.capellini
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-capellini/
- Twitter: @acapellini1995
