Medical school is not an easy transition for anyone. Our medical student of the quarter, Soumya Malhotra, OMS II, is no stranger to the challenges of starting medical school. She grew up in a small town in India and spent most of her after-school time observing her physician parents with their patients. Even early on in her journey, she always had dreams of studying medicine in the United States; she took a chance and started her journey at Boston University, going on to complete her undergraduate and master’s degrees in neurobiology.
Following her graduation, she conducted thoracic oncology research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for two years, where she truly found her passion for research. Now, she is fulfilling her dreams of becoming an osteopathic physician at Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM).
At NSU-KPCOM, Malhotra has delved into the world of research and advocacy wholeheartedly; she serves as the president of the Neurology Club, secretary for the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and the community service chair for the International Medical Outreach Club. Her time with these organizations has taught her a lot about working with a diverse group of people and learning from them.
She is also involved with advocacy organizations nationally and currently she sits on the National SOMA Research Committee, the Committee for Scientific Issues in the American Medical Association Medical Student Section and the Publications Committee in the Association of Women Surgeons. She enjoys interacting with some accomplished student and physician advocates and lends her support in their work. With them, she hopes to continue working to improve student, physician and patient outcomes.
Malhotra is currently interested in general surgery and truly enjoys the all-encompassing care this field provides. She enjoys interacting with patients and making sure they feel supported and is equally passionate about being in the OR.
Outside of medicine, she spends a lot of time with her cat, Peanut, and appreciates trying out new workout classes, with boxing being her current favorite! She is incredibly excited to continue working with her fellow students and her advice for those coming after her is: “Enjoy it all.”