The Smiling Foundation

I recently graduated from Case Western Reserve University, where I earned a B.A. with Honors in Psychology, along with minors in Chemistry and Biology, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Throughout my time in college, I sought opportunities that allowed me to combine my interests in medicine, research, leadership, and service. Whether I was working in a clinic, conducting research, leading a nonprofit initiative, or mentoring others, I was always drawn to work that could make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

One of the experiences that has shaped me most is founding The Smiling Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to food, healthcare, and essential resources for underserved communities. What began as a small effort to give back grew into large-scale initiatives that provided over 168,000 meals, more than 500,000 N95 masks, medical supplies, oxygen concentrators, and other critical resources to individuals and communities in need across the United States and India. Working alongside healthcare professionals, community leaders, volunteers, hospitals, and government officials taught me the power of collaboration and reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when people come together to serve others.

My passion for healthcare has also led me to gain hands-on clinical experience through community health clinics serving migrant and uninsured populations along the U.S.–Mexico border and through my work at PIH Health. These experiences gave me the opportunity to support patient care, work closely with healthcare teams, and better understand the challenges many patients face in accessing quality healthcare. Along the way, I developed a deep appreciation for the human side of medicine and the importance of compassion, communication, and advocacy.

In addition to my clinical work, I have been actively involved in research spanning psychology, biology, and healthcare. My projects have explored topics ranging from recognition memory and cognitive psychology to inflammation, microbial infection, and the well-being of medical students and healthcare trainees. Research has strengthened my curiosity and taught me how evidence-based thinking can be used to improve patient care and address broader healthcare challenges.

Outside of academics and healthcare, leadership has been a central part of my journey. As one of only eight students selected for Case Western Reserve University's President's Leadership Development Program, I had the opportunity to work with peers across disciplines to tackle complex social issues and develop the skills needed to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose.

I am fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati and have working knowledge of Spanish, which has allowed me to connect with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Looking ahead, I hope to become a physician who combines compassionate patient care, scientific inquiry, and service-driven leadership to improve health outcomes and expand access to care for underserved communities. Above all, I strive to live by the belief that even small acts of kindness and service can create lasting and meaningful impact.