Meet Caralena Lehmann | Model and Medical Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caralena Lehmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caralena, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a medical student, my initial approach to work-life balance was essentially non-existent. I spent all of my time studying, and focusing on the letters attached to my transcripts. This exhausting focus on my studies came at a significant cost: I was constantly stressed, burned out, and overwhelmingly dissatisfied with my life.

The breaking point came one particularly depressing evening toward the end of my second year of medical school. I realized that despite my academic achievements, I was extremely unhappy. I realized that life is only truly worthwhile if we find joy and fulfillment in our everyday experiences. This epiphany prompted a fundamental shift in my perspective and priorities.

I decided to carve out time for the activities and experiences that I loved. Traveling, which had always been a passion of mine, became a regular part of my life. I also pursued a long-held dream of mine: a career in modeling. Balancing my medical studies with these new pursuits required careful planning and a redefinition of my priorities, but it was absolutely worth it.

As I embraced a healthier work-life balance, my success in both medicine and modeling went up. I found that by allowing myself to engage in activities that brought me joy, I was more focused, energized, and effective in my studies and professional life. This approach enabled me to excel in my medical education and build a successful modeling career simultaneously.

This September marks a significant milestone in my journey. I will be participating in an away rotation at Harvard Medical School, a prestigious opportunity that I have worked tirelessly to achieve. Additionally, I will be stepping away for one of those weekends to walk in New York Fashion Week (NYFW), a dream come true for me as a model.

Reflecting on my journey, I understand that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial not only for personal happiness but also for professional success. By prioritizing my well-being and pursuing my passions, I have been able to thrive in both my medical and modeling careers. This balance has made all the difference, and it is a principle I will carry with me throughout my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A Unique Path
My career journey is a unique blend of two distinct fields: medicine and modeling. Balancing these two worlds has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. What sets me apart is my dedication to both my medical studies and my passion for modeling, and how this balance has allowed me to grow and succeed in ways I never imagined.

Proud Moments and Exciting Opportunities
I am truly honored to be doing away rotations at multiple Ivy League institutions this year. I am unsure where I will rank for matching as my location is incredibly important to me. However, I am thrilled to have the chance to learn from some of the brightest minds in medicine. Additionally, I am excited to be walking in New York Fashion Week (NYFW) this September, which has always been a dream of mine. Being able to pursue both medicine and modeling simultaneously is something I am incredibly grateful for.

My Professional Journey
Getting to where I am today was far from easy. As a medical student, I initially spent all my time studying, which led to burnout and a lack of fulfillment. One day, I realized that life is only worth living if we enjoy it. This epiphany prompted me to shift my focus and make time for the things I love, such as traveling and pursuing a career in modeling.

Combining these two demanding fields presented numerous challenges. Many doubted my ability to succeed in both areas, and I often faced skepticism. A lot of people think I dropped out of medical school all together due to how little I post about it online. I realized even though I am proud to be a future physician, I was happier when I focused my social media on my hobbies rather than my studies. With determination, careful time management, and the support of loved ones, I was fortunate enough to persevere through my dark first years of medical school. Overcoming these challenges taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and the importance of maintaining a balanced life.

Lessons Learned
Throughout this journey, I have learned several key lessons:

Balance is Essential: True happiness and success come from balancing professional commitments with personal passions. If you are not enjoying the journey you are unlikly to truly enjoy the destination.

Pursue Your Passions: Following what you love can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities. I always say I try ten crazy ideas before one of them works. This helps me keep from being discouraged when I am told no, because I know that one out of ten times it will likely be a yes.

Resilience is Crucial: Facing and overcoming challenges builds strength and character. If you have never failed you have never tried hard enough. I see failure as a way to know I am adequately pushing myself.
If I am never rejected and never told no then how do I know I have reached my true potential?

Support is Vital: Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in overcoming obstacles. I am incredibly grateful for all of my friends and family who have supported me. Most notably my grandmother and my great aunts. They are my number one supporters and I genuinely could not have made it this far without them.

My Story and Brand
I want the world to know that my story is one of balance, perseverance, and passion. I am not just a medical student or a model; I am someone who believes in the power of following one’s dreams and finding balance between work and personal life. My brand is built on the principle that success in multiple areas is possible without sacrificing well-being. I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, prioritize their mental health, and as my sister’s most recent book encourages, Shooting for Stars.
Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines. The coloring book is frankly quite boring when everyone colors inside the lines.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to Brickell
Morning: Breakfast at La Provence Bakery
Daytime: Stroll along Brickell Key
Lunch: Enjoy Asian cuisine at Komodo
Afternoon: Explore shops at Brickell City Centre
Dinner: Japanese dining at Zuma
Evening: Rooftop drinks in Brickell

Day 2: Downtown Miami Discovery
Morning: Visit Frost Science Museum
Lunch: Dine at Verde at PAMM
Afternoon: Explore Bayside Marketplace
Dinner: Catalan dishes at NIU Kitchen
Evening: Live performance at Adrienne Arsht Center

Day 3: Adventure in Key Biscayne
Morning: Breakfast at La Boulangerie Boul’Mich
Explore: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Lunch: Casual dining at Boater’s Grill
Afternoon: Relax at Crandon Park Beach
Dinner: Seafood at Rusty Pelican
Evening: Sunset and beach time

Day 4: Cultural Day in Downtown
Brunch: The Daily Creative Food Co.
Morning: Visit HistoryMiami Museum
Lunch: Peruvian cuisine at Cvi.che 105
Afternoon: Discover Wynwood Walls
Dinner: Fresh seafood at The River Oyster Bar
Evening: Explore Miami Design District

Day 5: Beach Day in Key Biscayne
Morning: Breakfast at Tutto Pizza & Pasta
Activities: Kayaking or paddleboarding at Crandon Park Marina
Lunch: The Lighthouse Café
Afternoon: Relax at Crandon Park Beach
Dinner: Argentinian cuisine at Novecento Key Biscayne
Evening: Outdoor movie screening

Day 6: Everglades Day Trip
Destination: Everglades National Park
Activities: Airboat tour and wildlife spotting
Lunch: Picnic in the park
Dinner: Cuban cuisine at Versailles Restaurant
Evening: Game night at home

Day 7: Wrapping Up in Brickell
Always plan a flex day for if you over book other days!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to my big sister, who has been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout my life. Her dedication to raising awareness about mental health, particularly among teens, is truly commendable. As a published author, she has made significant contributions to the field by highlighting the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. Her work has not only guided countless individuals toward better mental well-being but has also deeply influenced my own journey. Her passion and commitment continue to inspire me every day, reminding me of the profound impact we can have when we dedicate ourselves to causes that matter. Thank you, Christine, for being my role model and for all the incredible work you do!

Instagram: caralena_lehmann

Other: tiktok
caralena_lehmann

Email:
caralena.lehmann@gmail.com

Image Credits
Lisa Kuznetsova
Marliese Marie