Name: Sonia Wadekar Hometown: Plano, TX Year in Medical School: MS2 Undergraduate School: UTRGV
Do you serve on any student interest groups/organizations/activities? If so, which one(s)? As an MS1 I was elected by my class to be Academic chair, which gave me a position in the Student Government Association (SGA). I was also elected as a Texas Medical Association (TMA) delegate. Now, as an MS2, I am the SGA Student Body President!
What inspired you to become a doctor? When did you know you wanted to be a doctor? I had always been a huge science nerd as a child. It wasn't until I got to high school did I truly start enjoying humanities and history. In college, I took a ‘Philosophy and Medical Ethics’ course and it truly opened my eyes to a new perspective of science and humanities combined. I shadowed a few physicians and saw the bearings of this course come to play. I loved how doctors thought about medical science to treat their patients, but also learned about their patient’s stories and advocated for them. Through a culmination of these small experiences, I came to realize becoming a doctor is truly what I wanted to do.
What specialties of medicine interest you the most? Why? Even as an MS2, I’m still in limbo about what specialty I want to go into. But I do have some fields I’m interested in! I’m interested in orthopedics/sports medicine. I was an athlete my whole life and my orthopedic surgeon was always so inspiring. He helped me, many of my friends, and other athletes get fixed up so they could achieve their dreams. Another field of interest is OB GYN/women’s health. I’m a huge advocate for the idea of “women supporting women”, and what better way to do that than to be a gynecologist! It’s also a specialty with a good mix of surgery and clinic. I am also interested in family medicine. During my time in medical school, I have learned how preventive medicine can really change this country’s healthcare system for the better. One way to do so is to have more primary care physicians. PCPs are so crucial in helping patients navigate through good health and identify risk factors early on.
How has the UTRGV School of Medicine fostered your interests in pursuing a career in medicine? UTRGV School of Medicine is a very community-driven school, which I admire a lot. I have seen firsthand what the school has done for the people in the valley, from Area Health Education Centers, to encouraging students to start a student-run clinic. One of my goals as a future physician, no matter what specialty I go into, is I want to be an advocate for my patients and the community I serve.
What are your plans for engaging in research this summer? This summer I researched with and shadowed an orthopedic surgeon at UTSW. Due to COVID-19, there were a lot of initial restrictions and challenges, but luckily I was able to start a project that could be done entirely online. I also had the opportunity to participate in resident didactics and book clubs, learn how to suture on a kit and a cadaver, and scrub into the OR a few times a week to see hip and knee surgeries. It was an awesome experience and it definitely furthered my interest in orthopedics!
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you that you are willing to share? I was a figure skater for nearly 13 years!
