Harnoor, a dedicated third-year student at Georgetown University in the School of Foreign Service (SFS), pursuing a concentration in science, technology, and international affairs with a focus on biotechnology and global health, is embarking on a remarkable journey toward medical school. As she navigates her pre-med path, she reflects on her experiences and the unique opportunities Georgetown provides.
After completing numerous Blue & Gray tours, Harnoor often encounters concerned parents inquiring about Georgetown’s pre-med program and her personal motivations for pursuing a medical career. Their questions—“Is it hard? Is it worth it? Why did you choose Georgetown?”—are met with thoughtful answers. Yes, the journey can be challenging, but it is rewarding, and her path, she feels, was somewhat guided by fate.
Harnoor’s interest in medicine ignited when she was only 13, during her time at a STEM-focused high school. Despite her early passion for science, she found herself increasingly drawn to policy and social impact, which led her to initially consider careers outside of medicine. However, as she engaged with various academic opportunities at Georgetown, she rediscovered her love for healthcare and began to see the profound connection between medicine and policy.
### Interning in India
At the end of her freshman year, in search of meaningful internship experiences, Harnoor stumbled upon an exceptional opportunity with the Public Health Research Institute of India. This organization focuses on women’s health and awareness in Mysore, India. Taking the initiative, she reached out to the founder and pitched her interest in global health work. Within weeks, she found herself in India, participating in research aimed at understanding systemic inequities in patient care.
This formative internship exposed Harnoor to the real-world implications of health disparities and how crucial global health policy is in improving healthcare outcomes. It further ignited her desire to advocate for underserved populations, positioning her not just as a future physician but as a passionate social advocate within the healthcare realm.
### EMS Training/GERMS
Enthusiastic about clinical exposure following her India experience, Harnoor enrolled in the Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service (GERMS) program, where she took an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. Despite the rigorous schedule of night and weekend classes, the hands-on clinical training provided invaluable insight into the dynamics of emergency care. This experience reaffirmed her belief in the intersection of clinical care and healthcare access.
Reflecting on her experiences, Harnoor acknowledges that her understanding of healthcare efficiency has been significantly informed by her time on GERMS shifts. Through this program, she realized that future clinicians have vital roles in not only treating patients but also enhancing healthcare access and operational efficiency, aligning her aspirations more closely with her pre-med goals.
### Global Health Institute/CGHSS
In her sophomore year, Harnoor became a fellow at Georgetown’s Global Health Institute, where she contributed to critical research regarding health systems’ responses to global challenges such as mass migration and infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This engagement unveiled the broader infrastructure underlying medical care, emphasizing the roles of policy, surveillance, and diplomacy in shaping health outcomes worldwide.
Through this experience, Harnoor further understood that contemporary physicians must engage actively with global health systems to ensure equitable access to care. This realization underscored her commitment to intertwine her medical aspirations with her interest in policy, blending clinical practice with humanitarian advocacy.
### Science, Technology, and International Affairs
As Harnoor delved deeper into her coursework, she found her academic journey echoed her extracurricular experiences. Classes like “Medicine and Power in India” highlighted the critical importance of policy in clinical settings and how medical professionals can impact policy development. This interdisciplinary approach fostered her commitment to her non-traditional path in medicine.
Moving towards her summer plans, Harnoor intends to conduct research for her STIA Honors Thesis back in India, continuing to build on her foundational experiences in public health and policy.
### Reflections on the Pre-Med Journey
As she prepares to tackle the more demanding aspects of the pre-med route, like the MCAT, Harnoor reflects on the unique opportunities Georgetown has afforded her. These experiences have not only shaped her understanding of medicine but have also encouraged her to embrace an unconventional path.
Her journey has led her to realize that opportunities often come from unexpected places. She encourages students, whether pre-med or not, to explore areas they might not initially consider. It is through these experiences that her passion for medicine has flourished, redefining her understanding of what it means to be “pre-med.”
In summary, Harnoor’s experiences at Georgetown University strongly illustrate that pursuing medicine is not merely about the route to a medical degree; it is a rich tapestry of policy, public health, and service. This multi-faceted approach to healthcare is what truly prepares aspiring physicians to tackle the complexities of modern medicine. As Harnoor continues her journey toward medical school, embracing both scientific inquiry and advocacy, she exemplifies the powerful intersection of medicine, policy, and social impact.
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