Meet the Team

Through COPE, we know the importance of community. Meet the people commited to keeping our community thriving.

Elizabeth O. Clayton

Senior Leadership Team

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Undergrad: Florida A&M University

Fun fact: Crossed skydiving off bucket list

Favorite wellness pastime: Listening to sleep mediation podcasts before bed

I’ve known I wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 years old, and my journey to medical school was not an easy one. I also knew that, once I got to medical school, it was going to be even more difficult to stay here; being successful meant staying mentally healthy. So, it was important for me to find a space where I could gain skills and insight into navigating the challenges of medical school in a healthy way. By joining Cope, I was able to connect with other individuals, including medical students at different stages, residents, faculty, etc., going through similar things, and I didn’t feel so alone. Finding that community has meant the world to me, and it is my goal to share it with others.

Elizabeth O. Clayton

Senior Leadership Team

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Undergrad: Florida A&M University

Fun fact: Crossed skydiving off bucket list

Favorite wellness pastime: Listening to sleep mediation podcasts before bed

I’ve known I wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 years old, and my journey to medical school was not an easy one. I also knew that, once I got to medical school, it was going to be even more difficult to stay here; being successful meant staying mentally healthy. So, it was important for me to find a space where I could gain skills and insight into navigating the challenges of medical school in a healthy way. By joining Cope, I was able to connect with other individuals, including medical students at different stages, residents, faculty, etc., going through similar things, and I didn’t feel so alone. Finding that community has meant the world to me, and it is my goal to share it with others.

Emily Grimes

Senior Leadership Team

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Undergrad: University of Tennessee

Fun fact: Owen Wilson stole my pen when I was 9 (Owen, if you are seeing this, please return to owner)

Favorite wellness pastime: Spending time with my people!!

Beyond educating me on what I can do to help end burnout in the medical field, I have learned so much that I can apply to my personal life. Cope is a place where you can truly learn to struggle effectively through training and being a part of it has taught me thought processes that have gotten me through my toughest days of training. I am so excited for you to join us!!

Anita Pershad

Senior Leadership Team

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Undergrad: University of Chicago

Fun fact: Danced on a Bollywood Hip Hop team

Favorite wellness pastime: Baking giant Levain bakery-style vegan cookies

My passion for humanism in medicine and a desire to learn from more experienced students and clinicians led me to join the Cope Senior Leadership Team. I was especially interested in learning how to struggle effectively, cope with setbacks, and celebrate wins. I have loved getting to learn from others’ perspectives and vulnerabilities shared in our small group conversations. Cope has and is helping me become the best version of myself, so I can in turn help bring out the best in my patients and those around me.

Anita Pershad

Senior Leadership Team

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Undergrad: University of Chicago

Fun fact: Danced on a Bollywood Hip Hop team

Favorite wellness pastime: Baking giant Levain bakery-style vegan cookies

My passion for humanism in medicine and a desire to learn from more experienced students and clinicians led me to join the Cope Senior Leadership Team. I was especially interested in learning how to struggle effectively, cope with setbacks, and celebrate wins. I have loved getting to learn from others’ perspectives and vulnerabilities shared in our small group conversations. Cope has and is helping me become the best version of myself, so I can in turn help bring out the best in my patients and those around me.

Elizabeth Eshun

Senior Leadership Team

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Undergrad: University of Tennessee

Fun fact: I really really love reading! I’d rather read a great romcom than watch the movie version

Favorite wellness pastime: I enjoy reading, working out, eating good food, hanging out with friends, listening to the same 3 songs on repeat, and having deep conversations about life and reality TV

I joined Cope after realizing that, to be able to get through medical school, I was going to need practical ways to deal with each day as it comes. As director of social media, I hope to create a space where members of the healthcare field can be inspired and refreshed. I am committed to building a social media platform on a foundation of honesty and vulnerability, showcasing the highs and lows of a career in healthcare. I’m also so passionate about connection and hope that all Cope social media platforms are places where members of the healthcare profession can have important conversations.