April 13, 2023

The following CNHP Student Story submitted by Vaibhavi Bharadwaj, BS health sciences '23.

When I came to Drexel, one of the first things I did was attend a meeting of the Pre-PA club, an amazing resource for students looking into the Physician Assistant (PA) profession. The passion for healthcare and drive for success I saw in the other pre-PA students motivated me to work hard and stay on the pre-PA path. It even inspired me to apply for the BS/MHS bridge PA program. As a member of the Pre-PA club, I learned so much about the application process, CASPA, and prospective growth of a PA.

As a member of the executive board of the Pre-PA club, I have met hundreds of aspiring PA students and learn from their stories. It was my privilege to be able to give back to the Pre-PA club and alleviate some of the fears students on the pre-PA track had of applying to PA school. As co-president of the Pre-PA club, our executive board implemented several skills labs where we taught club members how to take vital signs, use medical terminology, write SOAP notes, and learned many other skills that are useful as future PAs. I'm grateful to the Pre-PA club for preparing me to enter PA school and giving me the opportunity to prepare other students.

In addition to the Pre-PA Club, I joined the Board of Global Healthcare Engagement from 2020 to 2022 which introduced me to some amazing faculty members who have become my professional and personal mentors. I learned so much about the different global initiatives that CNHP faculty were involved in and how to breach the gap between faculty efforts and student awareness of global health engagement. I was fortunate enough to attend a virtual global seminar during the pandemic, where we saw how nurses around the world were dealing with COVID-19. It was an incredible experience that opened my eyes to the global reach of Drexel, as well as how different healthcare looks in different countries. I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to work with different faculty members on their own global reach projects, like discussing and hosting panels on the international impacts of climate change and cultural responses to climate change.

In 2021, I joined the CNHP DEI Board. Members on the Board of DEI challenged by perspective of DEI and gave me the tools to explore the ways that I can inspire diversity, equity, and inclusion. This changed how I view diversity and allowed me to start conversations about DEI anywhere. Being a member of the Board of DEI has made me a better and more aware student, cognizant of the ways that I can effect change at the individual and systemic level.

Finally, as a student at CNHP, the Health Sciences Building has absolutely changed the way I approach studying. There is ample space to study, as well as abundant natural light. I am not rushing to catch the Dragon Shuttle, so I am able to stay on campus and study for as long as I need to. I am also a huge fan of the coffee and snacks that are available on every floor!

If I had to choose one thing that I love the most about being in Philadelphia for college, it would have to be getting to experience the integration of history and modern culture. Philly has such a rich history that can be seen and felt everywhere. Modern art and architecture in this city leave space for history in a way that makes us appreciate where we came from. As a student, I love learning new things about this city and finding new places to explore or study at!