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For Lane sibs, medicine is a family affair by Cindy Abole Public Relations Siblings Tameka and Shakeem Lane are all smiles this morning.  Today, as they receive their degrees from the College of Medicine, they celebrate an achievement that is very much a family affair.  College of Medicine graduates Tameka and Shakeem Lane smile for the camera while preparing for today's 175th MUSC Commencement. The Lanes are 2 of 713 students graduating.  Their degrees reflect the culmination of years of hard work, focus and dedication to their family, father Joe N. Lane, and their most passionate supporter, mom Nancy. Tameka and Shakeem grew up in small- town Blair, 45 minutes north of Columbia.  Their interest in medicine grew from living in the shadow of their mother’s illness. When Shakeem was in grade school, their mom was diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease and a variety of severe health problems. Both were quickly introduced to the world of hospitals and medicine. From an early age, they mastered their roles as family caregivers. “There were times when mom was very ill, but despite her difficulties she was always very supportive,” said Shakeem. As siblings, they are close but their personalities are opposite. Their characters complement each other. Tameka is the serious, disciplined and responsible older sister, while Shakeem is easier, sociable and adaptive. In college, they chose slightly different routes. Tameka earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from USC and immediately began working in the nursing field. Shakeem later attended Davidson College majoring in biology. But Tameka always envisioned herself in a different role within the medical arena. “Finding the confidence to make the transition from nursing to medicine was a big hurdle for me,” Tameka said. “Luckily, Shakeem’s confidence spilled over, and he helped me realize that I could do it too.” Next came the daunting task of choosing a medical school: MUSC or USC? Although Carolina’s convenience and proximity to home was an attraction, MUSC stood out for its location and its reputation for providing  an environment that’s committed to students.  “We knew what we were looking for was right here,” Shakeem said. From the start, they were committed to their studies and extracurricular activities.  They enjoyed sound rotation experiences and shared opposite work schedules at a rural medicine experience in Prosperity, not far from home and mom.  Between classes, rotations and activities, their mom’s health remained a priority. At times, they had to take emergency leave in connection to her illness. Sometimes that meant missing classes and interfering with exams. Responsible to the core, the Lanes kept their instructors and college staff informed and made up any missed work and tests. To their credit, the Lanes are model  students. Tameka is  member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and a Presidential Scholar who  received honors in all of her junior core rotations. Shakeem relishes his role as College of Medicine class vice president.  When the time came to apply for residencies, both struggled with their decisions not only for themselves,  but  out of concern for their mother. After speaking to her, they realized that she wanted them to succeed for themselves.  “All of us knew her situation and her health,” Shakeem said. “But after talking about it with our older brother Darryl, the family, and getting mom’s reassurance, we knew that we could do this and everything was going to be OK.” As the pair stood side-by-side during the March 18 residency match day, Tameka learned that she matched a highly competitive dermatology residency at New York University, with a transitional year at Spartanburg. Meanwhile, Shakeem matched at an anesthesia residency at Georgetown University Hospital and a preliminary year in medicine at Howard University Hospital.  “Tameka and Shakeem are quality individuals,” said Julius Sagel, M.D., professor of endocrinology and teacher of COM's physical diagnosis course and rotations. ”Their sensitivity and commitment works well and is a reflection of their upbringing and their grounded sense of values and support. Both possess a balance of humility and sensitivity as practitioners that will be good for their patients.”       Friday, May 21, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.