Live Q&A Session with med student, Shivam Patel
We are excited to welcome Shivam Patel to our upcoming PAVA BioImpact Live Q&A Session on Sunday, June 28, at 6:00 PM PST via Zoom!
Shiv is preparing to begin his fourth year at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, continuing his journey toward becoming a physician.
Dr. Roh had the privilege of working with Shiv during his time at his retina practice, where Shiv spent several gap years serving as an ophthalmic technician. From the very beginning, Shiv distinguished himself through his strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and positive attitude, making him an absolute pleasure to work with. It has been incredibly rewarding for Dr. Roh to watch him pursue and realize his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.
A Southern California native, Shiv completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Valencia High School before earning his degree in Biology from UC Santa Barbara. He remains actively involved in research and mentoring and is fluent in both Spanish and Gujarati. On a lighter note, he has also been a loyal member of Dr. Roh’s fantasy football league for at least four consecutive years!
We are incredibly proud of all that Shiv has accomplished and are thrilled to have him join us for this live Zoom session to share his experiences, insights, and practical advice with students interested in medicine and healthcare.
To make the most of our time together, we encourage students and parents to submit questions in advance. We will do our best to get through as many questions as possible during the session, ensuring a meaningful and engaging discussion for everyone.
The PAVA BioImpact Team held a meeting where Shivam Patel, a DO candidate, shared insights on the path to medical school, emphasizing that students should ask questions and not fear making mistakes. He highlighted the following key points for aspiring medical students:
Communication & Self-Awareness: Beyond grades and test scores, communication skills, self-awareness, and a strong work ethic are crucial, though they may not be explicitly listed on a medical school application.
Study Habits: There is no "one-size-fits-all" study method, and students should remain open-minded and flexible to adapt their approach based on their specific academic goals.
Resilience & Dedication: Medical school and the path leading to it require significant dedication and resilience, as the workload is substantial and leaves limited time for extracurriculars.
Admissions: While applying broadly to medical schools can increase your chances, being realistic about your application profile is important, as the process is highly competitive.