Avani Patel

Avani as a medical student

Pronouns: She/Her

Avani as a child

• What kind of identities do you inhabit?

  Empathy, charisma, humorous, dedicated

• The path to medicine is not easy. Can you tell us why you decided to pursue it?

  I decided to pursue medicine early on when my father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. At an early age, I saw how medicine can cure and guide people through a vulnerable time in their lives. I wanted to be apart of that process.

• Can you describe a challenging moment in medicine that made you rethink your career path?

  In college, my family's house burned down in California from the wildfires. Between studying for the MCAT, keeping up with school and extracurriculars, and being away from my family, this time was extremely challenging. I learned to lean on my close friends and family during this time, taking time to reflect on what is most important to me in life, and organizing my future based on that.

• How do you see a career in PM&R as advancing equity? Or alternatively - why are you interested in this organization? Why equity and PM&R?

  PM&R is still a field that many students have late exposure to. I hope to bring PM&R's amazing aspects and features to the forefront of students education, especially those who are underrepresented in medicine. Building a strong community that hopes to bring a safe and comfortable way of asking questions, seeking opportunity, and advancing the field is the best part of the organization!

• Can you tell us a little bit of your aspirations - either for your career or for the field of medicine (if you’re a medical student?)

  I hope to work in an academic center, giving back to medical students and residents through teaching. I want to continue with research in parts of the field rarely studied, disability advocacy through community integration, and volunteering in free clinics for the underserved.

• Find me on social media

  Twitter: @avanipatel0

Last updated 8/2023