Ellen Wilhoit has always been driven by curiosity and a desire to make a difference. A four-time recipient of the Legacy Foundation’s LCL Scholarship, she graduated from Ottumwa High School in 2015 and earned her undergraduate degree at Simpson College. 

In May 2024, Ellen earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from Kansas City University. She then began her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at The University of Chicago Medical Center, starting her second year in July 2025, with plans to complete a two-year fellowship afterward. She calls pathology “the gem of all medical specialties” and is passionate about diagnostics as a way to serve patients and communities. 

Her first exposure to pathology came in high school when she interviewed a family friend for an anatomy class project. After college, she spent a year working in a pathology practice before starting medical school. While she once considered specialties like obstetrics and gynecology, Ellen realized pathology was the right fit. 

Ellen encourages future and current medical students to persevere. “Medical school is rigorous, but quiet determination and persistence in pursuit of your goals is worth it. A degree is more than a piece of paper- it represents years of growth, knowledge, and skill, and it provides the opportunity to contribute to your community.” 

Reflecting on her journey, Ellen credits her hometown for support and inspiration. “Ottumwa and I have both grown a lot in the last decade thanks to people who want to see our community flourish. I hope to give back in a meaningful way.”