Aashna Pandya, Current MD Candidate
BU Major & Graduation Date:
Major: Biology; Minor: Visual Arts (2021)
Current School and Year:
MD Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Class of 2026
Preferred Pronouns:
She/her
Hometown:
New City
What school are you attending and what you are studying? Why did you choose to apply to this school? What do you think makes your school unique?
I am attending Albert Einstein College of Medicine as a first year medical student. I chose to apply to this school because of the school’s focus on social justice – we are located in the Bronx which has some of the worse health outcomes in the country and I feel privileged to be able to train here and learn from vulnerable populations. I think the sense of community also makes the school very unique – all students mostly live in student housing on campus.
Is there a specialization and/or specific population you are interested in? Why? How did you get into it and/or learn more about it?
I am interested in going into either pediatrics or surgery as of now, pediatrics because I used to work at Boston Children’s Hospital in undergrad and I have always loved working with kids; and surgery, because I worked with a dermatologic surgeon during my gap year and loved being able to work with my hands.
What are one or two of your favorite experiences/activities and why?
Going to Honduras through Global Medical Brigades – it was the first time I was able to do something more medical and it solidified my desire to go into the field as well as introducing me to global health.
Did you take a gap year?
Yes – I took one gap year and worked as a medical assistant at a surgical dermatology practice in Brighton.
What was your favorite BU course and why?
Neurodegenerative Diseases – I have always loved learning about neuroscience and the brain because there is so much we still do not know, and I think it is so interested how complex diseases like Alzheimer’s are and how many factors they can be affected by.
Were you involved in any clubs/groups at BU?
BU Fencing Club, Peer Health Exchange
Have you always known you wanted to be a doctor? What/who has been your biggest inspiration?
I think a part of me always knew I wanted to be a physician because I have always just been a curious person, not just about the human body but about how the world works in general. Also, my dad is a cardiologist and I loved how kindly he spoke to patients and he was and still is one of my greatest role models.
What resource at BU did you find most helpful or want to spotlight that others might not know about?
Talking to upperclassmen / professors in the field – they are much more approachable than I originally thought!
What are your hobbies/What do you like to do for fun outside of the classroom?
I like to crochet, read, go on runs, play volleyball, and go out to new restaurants / bars with friends.
Are there any tips/advice you would like to share with current pre-health students?
You can always take time for yourself – taking a gap year was one of the best things I did for myself because medical school is difficult and demanding (as well as fun! But still difficult). I was told that applying to medical school and getting in would be the hardest part, but I am quickly realizing that that is not the case, so find time for yourself, find the hobbies that make you de-stress and feel relaxed, spend time with the people that you love, and know you can always turn to those things in school when things get a little overwhelming.