How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?
Dr. Bhavesh Joshi is always saying, “The mystery is in the history and get quizzical with your physical.” VCOM has allowed me to understand the importance of performing a complete and thorough history and physical examination. It is amazing how much we can learn from patients just through that initial conversation before placing our hands on them. Family history, personal history, and the multiple aspects that can be collected in the history of the present illness make a huge difference when it comes to constructing a differential. VCOM’s curriculum has taught me thus far how to observe the whole person and eliminate tunnel vision in diagnostics. The ability to learn OMM at VCOM has taught me palpatory skills that I am comfortable and confident about using to collect more information to construct a differential diagnosis for a patient and even simultaneous relief through OMT. Lastly, VCOM has taught me the importance of counseling patients by assessing their understanding and discussing options with them thoroughly before they leave a visit with me. Patient understanding will allow for successful adherence and, therefore, a patient feeling better, happier, and hopefully cured one day.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
I dedicated many hours as a volunteer, observer, and student to pave my way to becoming a physician. I have learned it's not always easy to be selfless, but the internal reward far outweighs the hard. Since working with Days for Girls, a nonprofit organization empowering low-income women in Gainesville, Florida. I have craved the same fulfillment I experienced when helping one with health. With this, I entered medicine so I could defeat the abnormal that make life hard on the body. Furthermore, I crave to diminish looming questions patients stay up worrying about like Victor (not real name) once did, a patient I observed struggling with erectile dysfunction and depression. For this, I have dedicated myself to the rigorous yet exciting coursework and rotations in medical school. That way, I can effectively communicate with and treat patients personally as they deserve to feel hope the way Aniyah did when I helped her read as a ReadingPal for United Way. Therefore, I promise myself that I will give my all to the journey of medicine. I know working as a physician will fill me with the same joy as when I watched Chris finally make a three-point shot as a Unified Partner for the Special Olympics. I am determined to excel in the medical field to become the physician I dreamed of.
Why did you choose VCOM?
As a second-generation American, I have witnessed a lack of equity in healthcare within underserved communities. For this, I align with VCOM’s goal of improving everyone's access to quality, competent, patient-centered healthcare. Additionally, I chose VCOM because of the opportunities it offers students. Specifically, the hands-on interactions in the anatomy lab and simulation center and the use of osteopathic manipulative medicine are early aspects instructed by VCOM. Getting this experience early on has allowed me to fulfill my aspirations of becoming an osteopathic physician to the best of my ability. Moreover, the opportunity to work and learn through International Outreach, Early Clinical Experiences, and community outreach have been essential experiences. The chance to learn to treat individuals in underserved communities has and will equip me with the appropriate skills to give all my patients personalized care. In all, I am glad to be a part of the VCOM community because of the opportunities, the ability to serve an underserved area, and the incredible people I have and will meet along the way.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
VCOM-Auburn has a partnership with Auburn University, which provides our students with the same opportunities as an AU student with a Tiger Card. I enjoy visiting the campus recreation center with my classmates to play basketball and attending sporting events in their student section at no additional cost (except for football, of course). Auburn and nearby Opelika provide everything you are looking for in terms of stores and restaurants. Living in Auburn has been a wonderful experience, and I can see why people love Auburn so much.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My free time is essentially the time I rest and make sure my life is in order, especially mentally. After taking care of living and eating, I enjoy spending quality time with my fiancé and family, watching sports/TV shows, playing with my rescue dog Gracie Mae, exercising, playing basketball with my classmates, and playing pickleball. Lately, I have been learning golf, which has been exciting and challenging at the same time.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
I am soon entering my third-year clinical rotations with Piedmont Healthcare in Columbus, Georgia. At this time, I believe I will find myself connecting with a certain specialty through the preceptors I will be learning from, and by the most impact, I can provide patients that I will be able to examine, diagnose, and provide treatment recommendations. It is easy to say I am interested in pursuing a residency in internal medicine, but I am still interested in a variety of specialties I have been exposed to during my shadowing and coursework up to this point, including pathology, urology, rheumatology, and allergy/immunology. However, my true specialty interest will solidify during my third year, as I am excited to discover the specialty I am called to.
The chance to learn to treat individuals in underserved communities has and will equip me with the appropriate skills to give all my patients personalized care.
Was there anything or anyone at VCOM that inspired you to become the physician you are today?
VCOM provided me with the education to pursue a career in medicine with a service-minded approach, which I have carried with me to this day. I had several excellent professors and clinical preceptors who solidified that aspect of my training and demonstrated what it was like to be that way in practice on a day-to-day basis.
How has the VCOM mission inspired you during residency or in your practice?
VCOM taught me a patient-oriented treatment approach, which I have strived to implement in both the operating room and clinic. It can be easy to slip into a mindset of seeing patients as problems to solve. I am thankful I received my education from people who continuously emphasized the importance of evaluating the whole patient while maintaining their dignity and humanness in all stages of treatment.
What is the best advice you can give a medical student to help them in their path towards being a physician?
Work hard. Spend time thinking about and committing yourself to what kind of physician you want to be and how best to apply your gifts and talents. Make sure you also have people and things in your life who pour into you and help you carry the burden of the career you have chosen. Also, make sure you have a hobby or passion that can give you a needed break from time to time.
What are your fondest memories about your time at VCOM?
The friends I made. I had an excellent support group of people who I greatly valued and leaned on for advice and support. I made many friends, several of which were in my wedding and continue to check in on me to this day. They helped provide an environment for me where I felt cared for and allowed me to excel.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
Honestly, just being in the position I have been fortunate enough to be in. I was able to match to the Orthopedic residency I wanted to go to, and I also matched into the fellowship I wanted at a very competitive program in a very competitive field. I am not sure I would have told you I foresaw myself as an Orthopedic Spine surgeon prior to medical school, and VCOM helped provide the foundation I needed to begin that journey, for which I am extremely grateful.
When not working, what activities do you enjoy?
I am an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and son, who are great sources of support and joy in my life. I am involved in a wonderful community and church. I love doing just about anything outside and spending time with friends. Other hobbies include cooking, sports, travel, and reading.
I am not sure I would have told you I foresaw myself as an Orthopedic Spine surgeon prior to medical school, and VCOM helped provide the foundation I needed to begin that journey, for which I am extremely grateful.
