Professional Summary
Personal Statement
Turmeric and cumin danced around the kitchen, filling my nose with their familiar marriage of scents. Standing next to the stove, I stared admiringly up at my Nani as she stirred the stewing pot of lentils. While I was the sous-chef, Nani was the expert. With a simple glance at a boiling pot, she instantly knew if it needed a dash of coriander or a sprinkle of chili. My Nani's cooking was truly healing, comforting me with each spoonful. I craved her expertise. With time and practice, we became collaborators. Starting with the familiar basics, I kept trying new recipes and the possibilities felt limitless. Cooking was stimulating to my curiosity but, more importantly, was a way to connect with people. I cherished the hours of conversation with family over a fully vegan Thanksgiving I spent hours crafting, or the smile of a friend as she bit into one of my pistachio cookies. Just like Nani's, my cooking had the power to heal. The foundational elements of cooking—curiosity, experimentation, and connection—also fostered my interest in understanding the world around me. Both cooking and this pursuit of knowledge have the potential to heal, which ultimately drew me to medicine.
Why I Chose Cincinnati
Growing up in Cincinnati, staying close to home and community has always meant a lot to me. On interview day, I immediately felt a genuine sense of connection with the residents and faculty—their warmth, support, and shared values really stood out. I knew this was a place where I’d be supported, challenged, and inspired. This program feels like the right fit to help me grow into the compassionate, thoughtful physician I hope to become.