Gastrointestinal Wellness Lab Research

My work in the GI Wellness Lab introduced me to the collaborative nature of medical research and the importance of patient-centered scientific inquiry. Through research focused on inflammatory bowel disease and healthcare quality of life, I developed stronger analytical and critical thinking skills while learning how research can directly impact patient experiences and long-term care. This experience strengthened both my scientific curiosity and my interest in improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for diverse patient populations.

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was writing a review article examining the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and menopause. By reading scientific literature and synthesizing findings across studies, I strengthened my analytical thinking, scientific writing, and ability to critically evaluate medical research. At the same time, these projects exposed me to gaps in healthcare research and the importance of studying patient populations whose experiences are often overlooked within medicine. Read the article here.

Participating in patient advisory group interviews for inflammatory bowel disease research gave me the opportunity to hear directly from individuals living with chronic illness about their experiences navigating healthcare, research participation, and quality of life. By listening to discussions about symptom management, accessibility, communication with providers, and barriers within clinical research, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of incorporating patient perspectives into medical research and healthcare decision-making. These conversations showed me that effective research is not only about scientific outcomes, but also about understanding the lived experiences and priorities of the patients the research is intended to serve. Read the article here.

Patient Care Technician - Surgical ICU

Working night shifts as a patient care technician in the surgical ICU at UW Medicine has been one of the most transformative parts of my college experience. In the ICU, I witnessed the emotional and interpersonal side of medicine in moments of uncertainty, vulnerability, and recovery. Beyond clinical responsibilities, I learned the importance of communication, teamwork, and supporting patients and families during difficult situations. These experiences strengthened my desire to pursue medicine while teaching me the value of empathy, adaptability, and human connection within healthcare.

Pre-Physician Scientist Club

Being involved in the Pre-Physician Scientist Club allowed me to explore the intersection between medicine, research, mentorship, and community engagement alongside students with similar interests in healthcare. Organizing physician and MD student panels, coordinating lab tours, and participating in volunteer initiatives such as assembling care kits for underserved communities helped me gain a greater appreciation for the many different ways healthcare professionals can support patients both inside and outside clinical settings. Hearing medical students and physicians speak honestly about their experiences navigating medicine also made healthcare careers feel more approachable and human, while reinforcing the importance of mentorship and collaboration within the field.

Sarah Pirkle

One especially impactful experience was meeting with orthopedic surgeon Sarah Pirkle and hearing her discuss her journey through medicine and surgery. As a woman in orthopedic surgery, a specialty that remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, it was inspiring to watch her speak confidently about leadership, resilience, and patient care while surrounded by a room full of young women interested in medicine. Listening to her experiences reinforced the importance of representation and mentorship within healthcare and reminded me how meaningful it can be for students to see individuals challenging traditional expectations within medicine.

Crisis Text Line

Volunteering with Crisis Text Line exposed me to conversations with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds experiencing moments of emotional crisis, isolation, and vulnerability. Many of the people I spoke with were struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict, academic stress, loneliness, grief, or feelings of hopelessness, while others were navigating situations involving self-harm, abuse, or suicidal thoughts. Speaking with individuals of different ages, identities, and life experiences taught me how deeply personal and complex mental health challenges can be.

Through these conversations, I learned that people often need empathy, patience, and validation as much as they need solutions. Supporting texters during some of their most vulnerable moments strengthened my ability to actively listen, communicate calmly under pressure, and create a space where individuals felt heard without judgment. This experience deepened my understanding of mental health accessibility and reinforced the importance of compassionate communication within healthcare and everyday human interaction.

“My heart is still racing, but thank you for staying with me tonight. I finally feel like someone was willing to listen.” - Anonymous Texter

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