Name: Neharika Penmetcha Hometown: Normal, IL Graduation class year: 2027 Current year in medical school: 2nd year
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I've always been fascinated by the human body and how it works. I wanted a career where I could use that knowledge to help others, and medicine felt like the perfect fit. I have always loved school and the challenge it brings – the dedication and rigor required to understand and apply clinical science meaningfully. Most of all, I love seeing the real-world, immediate impact of that knowledge on improving people's lives. Turning my passion for science into tangible care and solutions for patients is incredibly fulfilling.
Why did you choose the UTRGV School of Medicine?
My goal was always to attend a University of Texas medical school because Texas offers physicians the most rights and medical longevity, which aligns with my long-term career goals. I also profoundly value evidence-based medicine, and UTRGV provides an education that emphasizes scientific rigor and clinical excellence.
I also loved the idea of studying in the Rio Grande Valley. The community is so diverse and full of culture, and it has real healthcare challenges where I could make a difference. It’s the perfect place to learn and grow as a doctor while helping people who really need it.
But my interview made me choose UTRGV because it was the best experience I had – bonding with my interviewer, laughing about our travel stories, and even talking about anthropology. That’s when I knew this school would value me as a person and not just see me as a resume or number. It felt like the right place for me to thrive.
The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of academic medicine impacts you the most? (Educational, clinical, research, etc.)
I love everything about academic medicine – teaching, research, and clinical care; but, clinical work impacts me the most. There’s something amazing about using what you’ve learned in class to help someone in real life. It’s the human connection, the problem-solving, and the immediate difference you can make that really sticks with me.
That being said, I also love how academic medicine ties everything together. Research keeps me curious and excited about new discoveries, while teaching helps me grow by sharing knowledge with others. But at the end of the day, working with patients inspires me the most. Those moments of connection and care remind me why I chose this path in the first place.
What specialties of medicine or research interest you the most? Why?
I'm highly interested in trauma surgery and reconstructive care, and I’m also exploring specialized surgical fields like colorectal and urological surgery. My love for the operating room draws me most to these areas. There’s something so captivating about the precision, focus, and teamwork required during surgery. I thrive in an environment where every movement has a purpose and you can see your work's immediate impact.
I’m especially drawn to fields where you can restore function and improve quality of life in profound ways—whether through life-saving trauma interventions or carefully planned reconstructive and specialized procedures. Surgery is the perfect combination of problem-solving, creativity, and making a tangible difference in someone’s life.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you?
One thing people might not know about me is that I'm an enormous manga enthusiast. I love immersing myself in series like Oyasumi Punpun and Kimi ni Todoke. But I'm less into reading them these days and more into creating my own comic panels. Storytelling and storyboarding have always been my niche interest. There's something incredibly satisfying about visually bringing a story to life, weaving together characters and plots. But I use it as more of a journaling outlet for my own life. Staying connected with the arts during medical school is vital because the routine can get grueling sometimes.
