Pooja Shah

2017 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Microbiology concentration; Applied Spanish minor

Currently:
Fourth year medical student/Wake Forest School of Medicine/MD program

" I am so grateful for the foundation that my studies at ETSU gave me to succeed in medical school and reach my lifelong dream of becoming a physician. My journey there took some unexpected twists and turns, but each step has brought me to this point, which I am so thankful for."

Question: How did your education in the College of Public Health prepare you for the next step?

As a part of my Senior Honors Thesis requirement, I worked with Dr. Jodi Southerland on a qualitative study assessing social support for physical activity among teenagers in rural Appalachia. Learning qualitative research has applied to my medical education – I was able to travel to India after my first year of medical school and interview women on their perceptions of HPV and the HPV vaccine. It was a fascinating experience, and I attribute my ability to engage in such an impactful experience to my time with the College of Public Health at ETSU! I look forward to continuing advocacy efforts through research internationally as a physician.

Question: What is/are something (or things) you wish you had known when you were a student?

I would tell myself in college and students in that stage of life currently that all the hard work and effort you are putting in now is completely worth it! Even the seemingly insignificant experiences you have in undergraduate may impact you in ways you would never imagine. There is a beauty and utility in finding value in all the projects, courses, and work you do!