This category contains reflections on forms of discrimination, related to racism and sexism, students have faced on their healthcare journeys.
Medical Student Contributing Writer
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
My name is Navjot Singh, and I am a fourth-year medical student at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I decided to pursue a career in medicine after having a profound experience along with wonderful mentorship during a medical mission trip to an orphanage in India. Starting off as a volunteer with the escort department at RWJUH to eventually matriculating and now almost graduating medical school, it has been an amazing journey full of growth in retrospect. I plan to specialize in interventional spine and sports medicine, with a particular focus on minimally invasive spine interventions to target pain. In addition, I value selfless service as a core component of my career. During my time at RWJMS, I cofounded a health maintenance initiative that is currently in its fifth year of activity that provides the homeless population of New Brunswick, NJ with education and empowerment to take charge of their own health. I will be receiving a Distinction in Service to the Community award upon graduation for this project. I hope to exude positivity, acceptance, and genuine care to all of my future patients, colleagues, and mentors.
Medical student Navjot Singh teaches us how to surmount racism with composure, grace, and courage –
“As minorities in medicine, we must give ourselves the space to heal and open our hearts limitlessly to everyone, including the individuals we encounter who try to prevent us from excelling.”
Medical student Vidya Lala vividly describes her interpretation of the often cited terms black body and black lives. Read more to find out what these terms mean to her.
Medical Student Contributor
F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine - Uniformed Services University
Hi! I am a fourth year medical student at the Uniformed Services University, pursuing a career in Family Medicine. I was originally born in Trichardt, South Africa, and lived in Johannesburg prior to moving to the United States in 2001! My mom's side of the family is still located in Zimbabwe and my dad's in South Africa. I first discovered my passion for writing in high school and continue to work on various art forms as a means of understanding and processing the world around me. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and for interacting with my writing!
