1.Tell us a little bit about yourself.  My name is Sinigdha Biswas, and I am currently a sophomore at Stony Brook University. My major is Biology, and I plan on choosing a specialization in neurobiology and physiology. I am passionate about the ways in which we can provide global health education and quality medical treatment including mental health for those who do not have equal access to these necessities. Some of my favorite hobbies, when I get the opportunity of leisure, are photography and writing.

2. Who was your favorite teacher in school and how did he or she impact you?  In high school, my history teacher Mrs.Pinto was my favorite. She made the class so interesting by emphasizing the power of history that I often read and did assignments ahead of time, leaving time to research topics outside of class. I always asked tons of questions, and she allowed me to add my findings to our class content. I loved going to her office hours and getting recommendations on historical books. She never put down my curiosity; instead, she referred me to articles, movies, museums, and just about any resources. From her, I learned the components of research outside of the classroom from recognizing which resources are valid to connecting multiple areas of discipline such as history, art, and medicine.
Mrs. Pinto was also the advisor and founder of my school’s National Honor Society, where she helped me to develop leadership skills. She taught me to be integral in a team by always coming prepared, voicing my opinions, and contributing to planning fundraisers on health causes such as a one we did to raise money for prostate cancer research. I learned to coordinate, keep a record, communicate, and manage multiple tasks which eventually helped me become treasurer.
Research, cooperation, and leadership are essential tasks that I learned from her which has helped me in college, work, and will on my journey to becoming a physician.

3. When did you first decide you wanted to become a doctor and why? I knew I wanted to be a physician from a young age because I have always been aware of the consequences unequal access to medical care can have on people, especially those in poverty. Not everyone has adequate access to medical treatment and general care, both in underdeveloped and developed nations. Even in the United States, I think we need to reach out to underserved areas because many of these, especially the elderly, cannot afford quality treatment resulting in painful years of coping with their conditions. Some of these illnesses could have been prevented and cured had they been diagnosed earlier. In underdeveloped nations, there is still a lack of education on basic hygiene, infant care, and universal health rights. I do not think medical care should be a heavy financial strain on anyone, no matter their background. My own grandfather died in rural Bangladesh of an infection because he could not afford medication. There are millions more like him even today, so I want to be a doctor to strengthen the accessibility of medical facilities and care for the improvised. One of my goals is to also set up clinics in underserved areas, around the world, and provide seminars on health education.

4. What area of medicine are you interested in? I am interested in neuroscience, gastroenterology, emergency medicine, and pathology. I am currently taking a cognitive psychology course which has made me interested in the field of neuroscience. Our brain’s ability to adapt, grow, and nourish us throughout evolution is something I have been reading much about this semester.

5. What’s the coolest experience you’ve had so far on your premedical journey? The coolest experience I have had so far in my premedical journey is my work as a pharmacy technician. Although I am not directly interacting with patients and medical staff, I get to learn about the behind the scenes process after a doctor has prescribed medication which I believe is essential for anyone going into the medical field to know. I am responsible for understanding prescription labels, sending out the prescribed drug in packaging that is color coded or specific to a nursing home or patient’s needs, knowing pharmacy law regulations and state policies, answering calls from nurses and patients, consistently communicating with my pharmacists and staff for an organized work environment, and of course, learning about different drugs, their chemical properties & functions, and how they are administered.

6. What is your favorite book?  My favorite book is my course textbook for cognitive psychology. Don’t get me wrong; many textbooks can be a bit tedious, but this one has been so interesting for someone like me who wants to learn about the brain and human behavior. I have been emailing my professor various questions ever since reading a chapter, and he is always helpful to respond.

7. Tell us one thing interesting about you that most people don’t know. Most people don’t know that sometimes, just sometimes, when I’m alone, I like to listen to music, sing, and clean the entire house simultaneously. It’s something about the music that activities my desire to organize everything!

8. If you couldn’t be a doctor, what would you want to do? If I couldn’t be a doctor, I’d work as someone who would provide humanitarian relief to underprivileged populations both in the United States and globally.

9. What do you like most about PreMed STAR? I just joined PreMed STAR, but already I’ve received so many supportive comments and advice from a ton of intelligent premedical and medical students. I finally found a valid site where I can ask professional questions, share my premedical journey and ready my portfolio for medical school along with the help of my new friends. I look forward to working with everyone here!

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