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Throughout the years, I endured many emotional ups and downs in my struggle

to validate myself to my father. I never felt good enough in his or my eyes. These inner
roadblocks led to many self-esteem issues that I needed to overcome. This was further
complicated by the common Indian misconception that, lighter skinned children can do
no wrong. I was of a darker, duskier, complexion. I channeled these complexion demons,

my isolation and emotionally turbulent moments into running. Sports were my saving
grace.

U.S. Army Beckons

With my desire to go to medical school coupled with limited financial resources, I
opted to join the U.S. Army. Through the Army Health Professional Scholarship Program,
I received a monthly stipend, coverage for the cost of books/ supplies, and complete

tuition payment for two years. As part of the agreement, I enrolled in an Army residency
training with Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington, D.C. This was
the perfect opportunity for me to serve this great country that my family called home, in
addition to easing some of the cost burdens associated with education.

I recall wearing my Army Combat Uniform and having mixed emotions as I walked

down the hallway of the hospital. I felt pride that I was representing my country, but also
fear since I had never met an Indian female officer before.

Initially, I felt isolated and different, but this was not an emotion that was foreign
to me and the embracing culture of the nation’s military helped me get over my fears.
Subsequently, a few years after I finished my medical school at Pikeville College School of

Osteopathic Medicine, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. This diagnosis
caused my residency to come to a screeching halt.

Over the years, I have worked in multiple leadership positions including serving as
an Assistant Medical Director; being one of two physicians in the Quality Improvement
and Patient Safety Committee at WRAMC; to later serving as the Medical Director of the

Army Medical Management Center at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center in Fort Meade,
Maryland. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 2013, I finished my
civilian residency and took up a job in the D.C. area to be close to my family.

Through benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill, I obtained an Executive Master’s in Health
Administration from George Washington University in 2017. Over the years, through
sheer grit and hard work I have accomplished much and I have been twice voted as a

Washingtonian Top Doctor in 2018 and 2019 back to back.

Future Goals

The future is yet to be determined. However, I do plan to continue my clinical duties
and expand to philanthropic initiatives that inspire me, such as improving worldwide

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