I havent been consistent in writing, largely due to the fact that I have been prioritizing work over everything else of late. I am trying to keep myself busy doing a bit of traveling, reading, sorting out my books and music, volunteering at the Hospital and playing some tennis. I love being around at MGH. The place is abuzz with activity throughout the day, and you get to interact with so many people from all walks of life. Its heartwarming to see them contribute their bit towards making someone feel better, physically and mentally.
I recently read about 4 new residents who have joined Brigham and Woman's Hospital this summer.Sarah Billmeier (MD, Surgery) lost her left leg above her knee to bone cancer at the age of 5. That did not deter her from learning to ski and she made it to the US paralympic team at the age of 14, winning medals at different events in France, Norway and in the USA. She completed her MD from Dartmouth college and began her residency this summer at BWH. She hopes to utilize her experiences in healthcare to show that obstacles are meant to be overcome. Sashi Ranganathan (MD, Radiology) graduated from Yale and relocated to Calcutta to work at Prem Dan, run by Mother Theresa's sisters of charity. At Prem dan, she tended to tuberculosis and AIDS affected patients and returned back to the US to complete her MD at the St. Georges University in Grenada.
Nirav Vakharia (MD, Internal Medicine) graduated from Case Western and spent 2 years teaching 7th and 8th grade kids and eventually researched policy initiatives for the goverment. He then relocated to Burma to train educators in refugee camps there, and returned back to commence at Harvard Medical School.For Michael Westerhaus (MD, Internal Medicine), a service trip in Mexico made him realize he wanted to directly work with patients than performing research. He spent a year volunteering at a health care camp in Uganda, returned back to the US to pursue his MD at HMS. He spends his summers in Uganda, researching HIV transmission and working with AIDS patients.
4 diverse backgrounds, 4 unique experiences and 4 inspiring individuals.
