Saloni Parikh ’18

Looking back

I’m originally from San Francisco, CA. When I first arrived at Ursinus, I had no idea what I wanted to major in, and similarly, I had no idea I would eventually pursue medical school. I declared a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major during my first year, but I knew I wanted to pursue an additional minor or major.

Early in my sophomore year, I was introduced to Kelly Sorensen when I took my first philosophy class in Biomedical Ethics. I fell in love with ethics and philosophy and its intersection with science and public health. I also joined the Center for Science and Common Good (CSCG) as a fellow, where I was encouraged and inspired to further explore an intersectional liberal arts education. Through the CSCG curriculum, I began to take more classes in politics and philosophy.

Hands-on Experience

Ursinus also offered plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and extracurricular involvement. Starting with my freshman year, I joined the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students. My sophomore year, I started research as a part of Dr. Rebecca Roberts’ lab focused on the effect of bisphenol analogues on breast cancer cell growth. I continued this research with Dr. Roberts during the Summer Fellows program.

The summer before my junior year, I received a grant through the Center for Science and Common Good to intern at a health clinic for a month in rural Nicaragua

Fall of 2018, I wrote a proposal for a major in Ethics and Health Policy. I wanted to combine my interests in policy, public health, medicine, and ethics. In the spring, I participated in the BEAR innovation competition, during which Michael Esposito ’18 and I pitched an idea for a non-profit comprehensive health clinic for migrant workers. We received recognition for “Best Oral Pitch” as well as a $500 prize.

Next Step: Medical School & Residency

Inspired by my classes in global health, politics, and ethics, I made the decision to apply to medical school my junior year. I wanted to become a doctor use an expertise medicine as a platform to create systemic, sustainable change. Kelly Sorensen became my medical school adviser.

I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Ursinus in 2018 with majors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Ethics & Health Policy. In 2019, I started medical school at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. On match day I matched to Anesthesiology residency at the Cleveland Clinic and became a Resident Physician in 2023.

Major(s)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ethics and Health Policy

Current Position

Resident Physician