Interview with Riya Patel: An Aspiring Medical Professional

1) Tell us about yourself.

Hi there! My name is Riya Patel. I am an Indian-American high school student from Austin, Texas. I am currently a senior pursuing the International Baccalaureate program. In my free time, I enjoy doing calligraphy, art, and writing. Welcome to my interview!

2) What made you want to pursue a career in the medical field?

Throughout my childhood, I was surrounded by healthcare providers, whether they be dermatologists who diagnosed my Morphea, physical and speech therapists who helped my brother with his speech delay, or various physicians my grandparents visit monthly. Ever since then, I have been observing their interactions with their patients and the connections they form, which is something I'd love to do in the future.

3) Tell us about your medical experience so far.

Throughout high school, I was fortunate enough to volunteer at a local hospital, where I was able to meet new people every day on the Progressive Care Unit. I have also shadowed both general and pediatric dentists, observing them as they talked to their patients and performed surgeries. However, throughout the COVID-19pandemic, I was not able to participate in these activities, directing me towards online competitions such as the Quarter Zero Cup, where I developed a mental health startup. I also learned things like anatomy, stroke care, and COVID-19 contact tracing through online courses. I was also able to create The Daily Dosage, which is a community that strives to connect individuals with similar likings as well as educate the public about prevalent medical topics. 4) What are your next steps after high school?

After high school, I hope to attend medical school for further education. My dream career is to become a physician and work in a clinical setting. Right now, I am leaning towards becoming a pediatric oncologist or a geriatric physician! 5) What obstacles have you had to overcome during your high school career?

One setback I can think of as a high school student wanting to go into medicine has to be with opportunities within the field itself. Due to HIPPA rules and age restrictions, it is very difficult to gain opportunities to shadow in the medical field. However, I have been fortunate enough to be able to shadow both general and pediatric dentists in my area! Although I couldn’t shadow practicing physicians in hospitals, I was still able to obtain first-hand experience and exposure to a healthcare environment, while stepping into the dentists’ shoes, interacting with and observing patients on a direct level!

6) Do you have any advice for students who plan to pursue a career in the medical field?

Follow your heart, reach out, meet new people, and believe in yourself! If you can dream it, you can definitely achieve it! The medical field has numerous opportunities and areas for you to explore yourself - reach for the ones that captivate you and you will definitely find your passions!

You can follow her Instagram accounts @thedailydosage.20 and @_riya.patel