My name is Emily Shehata (she/her), and I am a junior majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology on the pre-medical track at UConn. I am originally from Egypt but grew up in Connecticut. As a first-generation college student and the first-born daughter of immigrant parents, pursuing higher education and a career in medicine is especially meaningful to me. Outside of UConn, I work as both a receptionist and Medical Assistant at a pediatric clinic during school breaks and throughout the summer. I am also a Clinical Research Assistant at Saint Francis Hospital under Doctor of Pharmacy Youssef Bessada. Most recently, I worked on a study examining diabetes medications and transitions of care for hospitalized patients, which I am currently working toward publishing. These experiences have allowed me to explore both the clinical and research sides of healthcare while strengthening my interest in becoming a doctor.

My passion for medicine comes from my love of science, but even more so from my desire to help and connect with others. Working in pediatrics has been especially meaningful because I have been able to interact directly with patients and their families and see how much of an impact healthcare providers can have beyond simply treating an illness. My research experience has also shown me another side of medicine by allowing me to explore how the decisions we make in healthcare can influence patient outcomes. Ultimately, I hope to become a doctor who not only provides excellent care but also makes patients feel heard, comfortable, and supported.

I also hope to bring that same sense of support to my role as an HPPA. Being pre-health is not an easy feat, and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate coursework, research, clinical experiences, extracurriculars, and all of the expectations that come with preparing for a healthcare career. My goal is to make students feel more confident in their undergraduate journeys and remind them that they do not have to figure everything out alone. Sometimes, having someone point you in the right direction, answer your questions, or give you that extra push toward your goals can make all the difference. I hope to be that person for my peers and help make the pre-health community feel more welcoming and supportive.

Outside of academics and medicine, I love reading, running, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family. You can almost always find me with at least one AirPod in! I also love traveling to Egypt to visit my extended family. I’m a huge foodie and love trying new foods and checking out new restaurants whenever I get the chance. I am excited to meet other pre-health students, learn about their goals, and help them feel a little less intimidated and a lot more excited about their journey toward healthcare.

I would love to connect with you about...

• Ways to gain meaningful clinical experience as a pre-health student
• Balancing challenging coursework, extracurriculars, and pre-health experiences
• Navigating academic struggles and finding the right resources when you need help
• Course planning/choosing classes as a pre-med student
• Navigating the pre-med journey and figuring out where to start
• Building confidence after struggling in a class or having a difficult semester