I have long believed that medicine has the power to change lives, alleviate pain and improve quality of life. Like my fellow pre-med classmates, I have long known that I wanted to embark on the medical path. I have always been in admiration of how much science has advanced and improved our understanding of the inner complexities of the human body. With the consistent development of various treatments and cures, we have been able to learn about a myriad of infectious diseases and combat many epidemics. However, it was not until my father was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, did I realize that there is still much to learn within the realm of medicine. With constantly-evolving diseases such as cancer, a strong background in science is …show more content…
Throughout college, I performed a plethora of laboratory experiments and intently listened to professors lay the groundwork for professional school. These 4 years of college provided me with a basic but thorough understanding of the interplay between science and medicine. I also spent a majority of my undergraduate career working at Genentech, one of the largest Biopharmaceutical companies in the world. I was given multiple opportunities to meet with patients who have used the biopharmaceuticals manufactured on site and to learn how it has impacted their life. Interacting with patients and seeing their perseverance in the face of a devastating disease, such as cancer, quickly became the driving force behind my projects at Genentech. My experience at Genentech alongside witnessing my Dad’s battle with leukemia has taught me how breakthroughs in science have helped us cope with the uncertainty that lies with diseases such as …show more content…
As a Project RISHI volunteer/Sponsorship Chair, we aimed to foster the growth of rural villages in India and improve the lives of local villagers by undertaking various projects such as providing water sanitation, healthcare education and rural medical camps. Moreover, understanding the lack of basic healthcare in countries such as India has sharpened my desire to help eradicate such problems within my local community as well. I have also worked as a Student Assistant in a Metabolomics Lab at the UC Davis Genome Center. This research experience was valuable since it taught me a variety of Biotechnology and Research skills such as experimental design and analysis, solution preparation, and sample extraction/preparation. Furthermore, it provided a medium through which I was able to incorporate my knowledge of science from within the classroom into a hands on approach. Additionally, I have also had the benefit of experiencing the clinical healthcare setting within the greater Sacramento Area. The Sutter Sacramento Emergency Room Department caters to the many underserved populations of the surrounding areas. Scribing at the Sutter Sacramento Emergency Room has exposed me to a plethora of clinical settings. Furthermore, I became aware of the harsh realities and unsanitary living conditions to which these patients are exposed to. Many of the patients that presented