Goals & Learning

I worked under Dr. McNally, and her research focuses on expanding and advancing Autism care, awareness, and evaluation in developing countries such as India and Kenya. My goal after I finish my undergrad is to attend dental school and become a dentist. I want this career for myself because dentistry is interesting to me. Coming from a poor state in India, I did not know dentists existed, so dentistry fascinates me. 

Through this experience, I have become more confident in making career-related decisions based on my self-knowledge and preferences. I now recognize the value of both clinical and research experiences in shaping my ability to provide comprehensive patient care. As I move forward, I plan to continue strengthening my leadership skills, gaining more hands-on experience in a dental setting, and seeking opportunities that align with my long-term career goals. With each step, I feel more prepared and assured in my journey toward dentistry.

Over the past year, my career goals have remained centered on applying to dental school, but my experiences have given me a clearer understanding of how to strengthen my application and skills. Initially, I sought undergraduate research opportunities to become a well-rounded candidate, and I have made significant progress through my internship in early autism evaluation. This role has allowed me to gain hands-on research experience with REDCap, survey development, and literature reviews. It has also deepened my appreciation for the broader implications of healthcare research, further fueling my interest in exploring the intersection between oral and systemic health. This summer, I will further my goals by gaining additional experience in a dental setting, honing my leadership skills, and improving my time management to effectively balance multiple responsibilities. Throughout the remainder of my time at IU Indianapolis, I will seek opportunities for hands-on learning, expand my professional network, and continue strengthening my dental school application. By staying proactive and intentional in my experiences, I am confident that I will be well-prepared for the next step in my journey.

Learning Goal #1: Develop Professionalism

Relevance: This goal aligns closely with my future career as a dentist, as I understand that caring for patients' health is a serious responsibility. Maintaining professionalism at all times is essential—not only for upholding a strong work ethic, but also for being a reliable healthcare provider and fostering a safe, trusting environment for my future patients.

Action Plan: To meet this goal, I plan to uphold a professional appearance by following the appropriate dress code, arrive on time for all meetings and check-ins, and maintain clear and responsible communication with my supervisors.

Progress: Over the past few months, I have made meaningful progress in developing my professionalism. I’ve consistently adhered to the expected dress code and maintained punctuality for meetings and check-ins at my internship site—efforts that have helped build a reputation for reliability and dedication. Additionally, I’ve prioritized proactive communication with my supervisors to ensure I stay aligned with expectations and responsibilities. These habits have not only strengthened my professional skills but also fostered stronger, more collaborative relationships with my team and supervisors.

Learning Goal #2: Becoming an Active Listener

Relevance: This learning goal applies not only to my future career but also to my internship and life as a whole. If I truly want to help others, I must first listen to their needs and concerns. By doing so, I can provide thoughtful, effective, and personalized support—whether as a healthcare provider, a team member, or a friend.

Action Plan: I plan to be especially attentive to detail, as my internship involves working with human subjects. Precision and care are essential to ensure ethical research practices and to uphold the integrity of the data we collect.

Progress: Through my internship, I’ve made meaningful progress in becoming a more attentive and effective listener—an essential skill when working with human subjects. I’ve focused on actively listening to both supervisors and participants to better understand their needs and provide appropriate support. One key accomplishment has been refining my ability to ask thoughtful clarifying questions, which has helped ensure accurate understanding of instructions and feedback. This skill has been especially valuable in collecting precise and reliable data for our research projects.

Learning Goal #3: Practicing Humility

Relevance: In my future career, I aspire to support patients in maintaining their oral health through compassionate, patient-centered care. I believe that being a healthcare provider goes beyond clinical expertise—it requires humility and a willingness to truly listen to patients’ concerns. A doctor who leads with empathy and respect is, in my view, most deserving of the title.

Action Plan: I intend to remain open to learning and growth throughout my internship. I recognize that a closed-minded attitude can create barriers to honest communication, so I aim to foster an environment where others feel comfortable sharing insights and feedback. I am committed to learning not only from others but also from any mistakes I may make along the way.

Progress: I’ve made progress toward being more humble and open to learning through my internship experience. I’ve worked hard to listen to my supervisors, ask for feedback, and remain open-minded when receiving constructive criticism. One accomplishment has been learning to accept feedback graciously and applying it to improve my work. Additionally, I’ve learned to approach each task with a willingness to adapt and learn, which has helped me grow in my role and contributed to my understanding of the broader context of healthcare.