Student Wellness Leaders

Sahar Panjwani

Sahar Panjwani

Class of 2022 Liaison

Favorite Strategies for Wellness: Personally, I like to approach everything I do with a positive attitude and take on new challenges with a smile on my face! I've found that if I am able to find the positive side in everything, I can make the most of every situation. Additionally, I've found that time management is essential to be able to keep a balance between academics and having a social life outside of school. I like to schedule everything, whether it be working out, studying, meetings, or simply hanging out with friends. By planning out when I'm going to do everything, I can accomplish what I need to do and still have free time to relax.

Career Goals: I'm interested in pediatrics and OBGYN, and in the future, I hope to be able to work with underserved populations and use community-driven solutions to address health disparities worldwide.

Strategies for Maintaining Wellness in Medical School: I have found that it is very important to take some time to yourself each week, no matter how much studying you may have to do. I usually like to use Friday nights to relax and do non-school related things. I also like being involved within the school and hanging out with my classmates, both of which provide great breaks from studying!

Hobbies: Outside of school, I like photography, reading, exploring coffee shops, watching Netflix, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling!

Layla Nejad

Layla Nejad

Committee Chair

Favorite Strategies for Wellness: I’ve found that I am my best self both in the classroom setting and beyond when I am actively working on my physical and mental health on top of my academics. I love to take time to rollerblade with my friends (both human and four-legged companions), hike when weather permits or enjoy a book by the window during the rain. I am a firm believer that laugher does help cure all worries, and when I can’t laugh, I box. I also enjoy cycling when possible and winding down with a hot tea and my weighted blanket at night.

Career Goals: I have yet to decide on a specialty, but I know that I am passionate about serving underrepresented populations and promoting community health. I would love to continue to learn how to bridge health disparity gaps within our backyard communities and beyond.

Strategies for Maintaining Wellness in Medical School: Never be afraid to take some time for yourself! I’ve realized that in order to succeed as a medical student, it is imperative to follow a schedule and to take dedicated personal time away from classwork from time to time. Cooking and staying active are two simple yet great ways to take a break from school while also further taking care of your mental and physical health. I also think that yoga and meditation practices are great ways for medical students to wind down and destress.

Hobbies: I love finding new ways to stay busy while still in school. I recently learned how to cross-stitch as one of my latest arts & crafts ventures. I enjoy catching up on my reading list/listening to audiobooks when I can, especially during long drives. I enjoy traveling as much as possible and surrounding myself with loved ones while doing so. I also love learning about new ways to promote healthy mental and physical habits, so if you have any suggestions, come find me!

Niti Dharwadkar

Niti Dharwadkar

Student Liaison

Favorite strategies for wellness: Anything music related (singing, listening, playing guitar), cleaning/organizing my room, lighting candles, shopping, long drives, hanging out with friends

Career goals: I’ve always envisioned myself working with kids and am really interested in the fields of Neurology, Cardiology, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine so far. I’m open to all options and excited to see where my medical school journey takes me!

Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: Following a routine, having a work-out buddy, making lists and approaching tasks one at a time, studying in environments that make me happy and energized (coffee shops or around friends), prioritizing time to relax and hang out with friends, and most importantly- always looking at the glass as half full! :)

Hobbies: Singing, Guitar, Reading, Traveling, binge-watching Youtube or Netflix

Hoang Anh Nguyen

Hoang Anh Nguyen

Health and Wellness Programming Officer

Favorite strategies for wellness: Spending time with loved ones, cooking, and crafts.

Career goals: Currently, I am interested in Pathology, Infectious Disease, and Oncology. In the future, I hope to become a physician-scientist. I hope to not only heal patients but also to discover and develop ways to improve their lives.

Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: I am a big fan of taking mental health days during the week, where I take time for myself regardless of school load. Getting enough sleep is also crucial to maintaining good mental health.

Hobbies: Outside of school, I really enjoy cooking and visiting National Parks. I like trying different recipes and have recently gotten into bread-making. On my bucket list is to visit 30 National Parks before 30, so during breaks and extended time off, I enjoy traveling to these areas and hiking around.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Student Health and Wellness UTRGV School of Medicine

Student Wellness Leaders