Shadowing Student

Toward the second semester of my freshman year, I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Nadish Garg, a cardiologist in the Houston area. This experience allowed me to gain direct exposure to the daily responsibilities of a practicing physician and provided a deeper understanding of patient-centered care in a clinical environment. During my time with Dr. Garg, I had the opportunity to assist with basic patient care activities, including measuring vital signs and observing physical examinations. I was also able to learn about the workflow of a clinical practice, gaining insight into how physicians interact with patients, coordinate with staff members, and manage both medical and administrative responsibilities. Dr. Garg provided additional learning opportunities by teaching me how to operate an EKG machine and interpret its basic output, which gave me a first-hand understanding of the importance of diagnostic tools in cardiology. This experience not only enhanced my technical knowledge but also fostered a greater appreciation for the precision, attentiveness, and compassion required in the physician’s role.

Medical Volunteer

After my freshman year of college, I returned to Houston Methodist Hospital as an Adult Volunteer, where I completed over 230 hours of service. My responsibilities included some of the same tasks, such as organizing and managing medical supplies for staff distribution and assisting nurses with administrative tasks like filing paperwork and maintaining inventory. In this role, I also had the opportunity to participate in Patient Satisfaction Rounding, engaging in one-on-one conversations with patients to gather feedback about their care and overall hospital experience. Through these interactions, I was able to contribute to efforts aimed at enhancing patient satisfaction and improving the quality of care. Additionally, I supported the staff of a medical-surgical unit, which allowed me to observe the hospital’s operations and gain deeper insight into the complexities of healthcare delivery.

Shadowing Student

During my junior year at UT, I continued shadowing Dr. Garg during school breaks, where I was introduced to his Physician Assistant, Annalise Arras. This was my first experience shadowing a PA, and it was a truly affirming experience that solidified my desire to pursue this career path. In addition, I began shadowing Dr. Jason Miller, a highly respected podiatrist in the Houston area. Through this opportunity, I was able to observe surgical procedures and assist with minor clinical treatments, further expanding my exposure to patient care across different settings.

Research Experience

In the fall of 2024, I was promoted to Co-Lead Undergraduate Research Assistant for UT's Project SEED. In this role, I continued to contribute to data collection and analysis while also taking on greater leadership responsibilities within the project. I was responsible for developing protocols for make-up meetings and leading sessions where I facilitated discussions and ensured accountability among the research assistants. This experience strengthened both my research skills and my ability to lead a team effectively.

Patient Care Experience

In the spring of my junior year, I began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Onion Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In this role, I provide direct, hands-on care to patients, supporting them with their daily activities of living such as mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and overall comfort. This position has allowed me to develop strong patient care skills while fostering meaningful relationships with individuals in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care settings. Working alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals has also given me valuable insight into interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and the importance of compassion in healthcare. My experiences at Onion Creek have not only strengthened my clinical skills but also deepened my commitment to pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant.

Global Health Experience

I attended another medical mission trip abroad through GMT in the summer of 2025 to the Dominican Republic. Throughout the trip, we set up temporary clinics in schools and churches, where we provided free basic healthcare services to multiple communities. We cared for hundreds of patients and gained invaluable experience by assisting in the diagnosis and treatment process under the supervision of local physicians.