My name is Janam Patel and I am studying abroad this summer in India. I just finished my junior year as a neuroscience and psychology major with a minor in chemistry. I am also pursuing a foundations of medicine certificate. I am currently on the premed track and plan on applying this summer.

I am in the Himalayan health program which is made up of two classes a Mountains and Medicine Class and a wilderness first responder class. I am excited to learn about how the remote location in the Himalayas affects the ability to provide proper health care and how it differs from Pittsburgh. I hope to learn how the doctors and nurses there use the resources available to them in new and creative ways. As an aspiring doctor, I think the wilderness first responder training will help me gain a new perspective on practicing medicine and broaden my knowledge outside of the hospital.

Outside of classes, I plan on taking advantage of the numerous hikes and trails near the school. One part of the program is a three-day trek through the mountains. This program will help me get a better understanding of how to become a better physician and give me the tools to become more adaptive in new environments. Additionally, this program will help me grow personally by learning how to communicate with people who have different backgrounds from me. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this program and look forward to keeping all of you updated.