Class of 2017
Post Baccalaureate 2019
Major: Exercise Science
Studying at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine MD Program
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?
To me, a career in healthcare would allow me to combine my passion for scientific pursuit and serving humanity.
Q: What are some meaningful extracurricular activities that you were involved in while at UConn?
President of Indian Student Association, Facilities Manager UConn Recreation, Research Assistant at Korey Stringer Institute
Q: What did you do during your growth year(s) and what did you learn?
During my first growth year, I was a scribe. I learned how to write a detailed medical note and was able to observe the day-to-day experience of a physician. This experience helped me with my patient interviewing skills as well as writeups. I did the UConn Post-Baccalaureate program during my second growth year. I furthered my academic pursuits while making lifelong friends with like-minded goals. In my third and final growth year, I served with AmeriCorps City Year in Providence. I had the most growth this year. Serving in an urban underserved school, I was able to witness how one's skin color, zip code they are born in, and various other factors truly do dictate many of their life outcomes. This year showed me that medicine goes beyond biology and that many health problems have a social/psychological aspect as well
Q: What are some ways that you take care of your mental health and overall wellbeing?
I make time to visit family and friends during the school year and I also incorporate at least 60 minutes of exercise daily.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring pre-health students?
My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself and to those around you. It is easy to lose yourself in the process and many students try to fit a mold of an "ideal" pre-health student. I learned that there is no ideal mold and it is important for each student to bring their unique perspective to the table. Finally, medicine is a team-based practice. Working with those beside you will only make the journey easier and more memorable.
Q: What’s something that you wish you knew when you were in college?
AP classes are not as helpful as you think if you are applying to medical school