The images on this page were taken prior to national guidelines of face coverings and social distancing.
On Thursday, September 12th, the MHP class participated in the inaugural Lunch and Learn with JHMP alumnus Dr. Katherine Walsh. Dr. Walsh works as a Hematologist/Oncologist based out of Columbus, Ohio, where she plays a major role in leading the educational program for medical students and residents. Dr. Walsh provided the MHP class with advice and experience, discussing why she decided to pursue hematology, what she valued most from the JHMP, and how she emerged as a leader in her department’s educational program. Among other topics, students inquired about Dr. Walsh’s daily activities with her team and pondered about the most important things she learned during her JHMP year. One student Arvind Sommi summarized: “One of the things I’ve always wanted to learn more about is how to continue improving after residency. Hearing from Dr. Walsh and how she assumed leadership roles really helped clarify another dimension of growth.” Dr. Walsh reciprocated the sentiment: “Being asked questions from the current class gave me reason to reflect back on the many wonderful opportunities I’ve received and how great the JHMP/MHP has been for me.”
The following Lunch and Learn took place on October 17th and focused on JHMP alumnus Dr. Shiven B. Patel. Dr. Patel specializes in adult hematology and medical oncology and currently works as an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Similarly, to Dr. Walsh, Dr. Patel recounted memorable moments from his own JHMP days and how the program shaped his future in research. Interestingly enough, Dr. Patel states that he did not have a heavy interest in research as an undergraduate student. However, he soon discovered his love for clinical research during his Oncology and Hematology fellowship at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Veterans Affairs Hospital. Dr. Walsh and Dr. Patel gave similar answers when asked about their favorite part of the JHMP: both physicians treasure the friends they made during their transition year and the fond memories they created with their friends. Dr. Patel even stated that he roomed with several of the friends he made from the JHMP during his residency in Maryland.
Dr. Patel did not follow the traditional premedical track as many other undergraduate students do; instead of majoring in a science-focused major, such as Biology, Dr. Patel instead decided to major in Business before entering the JHMP. Dr. Patel earned a minor in Business Administration, but wanted to go back to university to continue his education in that field. Therefore, after becoming a Chief Fellow, Dr. Patel made the decision to revisit the field of business and entered the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University to earn his M.B.A. in Business of Medicine. When asked why Dr. Patel went back to university to continue his education, he expressed the importance of being a “life-long learner,” especially for those wanting to enter the medical field. Since the field of oncology constantly changes with new treatment plans for cancer patients, Dr. Patel stated that physicians need to be life-long learners to stay up to date with new research to ensure they provide the most up to date treatments for their patients.