"Stuck in traffic in an ambulance with blaring sirens while my grandfather lay unconscious from a bike accident is something I can never forget. I asked my aunt, in fear, why no one was moving, and her response stuck with me: "This is India, not America." After my grandfather passed, my eyes opened to the difference in the quality of medical care between America and India, especially when comparing the medical care my mother got after a serious car accident.

These experiences inspired me to bring the sense of community found in America's medical system to India. India Medical Mission connects with this goal and my passion for helping those dealing with the same issues my family faced. I got my Medical Assisting certification to gain clinical experience and help at a hospital to work toward this goal. I started this journey at the UW Harborview Medical Center for HIV/AIDS and continued it at Seattle Children's Hospital. Every patient I interacted with reminded me of myself as a kid and the overwhelming anxiety I felt due to my family's medical troubles. I wanted to be a pillar of support for my patients.

I joined a research lab where we utilized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to help delay memory decline in Early-Stage Alzheimer's patients as my grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s, and I wanted to understand more about it. During my time in this lab, each patient I spoke to reminded me of my grandfather with the countless stories they told about their grandchildren or what they did in their lives.

I'm excited to be a part of India Medical Mission to bring the sense of community I developed here and the experience I gained over the years to my home country. I want to educate patients in taking care of their health. My goal in life is to be a pediatrician. With kids, I know from experience that the environment you create for them can heavily impact their future. I want to provide a safe environment through my care and to help their future. Through India Medical Mission, I will learn more about how I can further contribute to my community." - Shripad Vallabh

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