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Anamaria Buchhan

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Finalist

Bio

By the time I was seven years old, my dad moved my siblings and I across the world from Guyana. Due to visa boundaries, my mom could not come with us at the time, and I would set to be the female figure of my household. My sister was one year old, and my brother was eleven. My immigrant father worked two jobs at night to ensure we were stable. So yes, I never planned on going to college because the idea of college felt impossible. But here I am, a current medical student. Some people experience indecisiveness when picking the career they want to pursue, but it has been different for me. If there's one thing I can tell you about my life, everything that I choose to do must be fulfilling, and the love I have to heal, mentor, and, most importantly, provide patient care is found in the role of a doctor that I know will fulfill me.

Education

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Master's degree program
2019 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
    • Biology, General

Franklin High School

High School
2015 - 2019

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • International/Globalization Studies
    • Medicine
    • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

      Physician

    • Care for kids who identify as having ASD by working on language and social skills through play therapy. Aim to increase verbal communication.

      Registered Behavior Technician
      2020 – Present6 years
    • Communicated with doctors, nurses, patients and other employees to identify and resolve patient needs in labor and delivery and newborn nursery.

      Saint Peter's University Hospital - New Brunswick, NJ
      2021 – 20221 year

    Research

    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences

      Rutgers University — Collecting Experimental Data
      2021 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      New Brunswick, NJ — Shadowing Family Medicine and Pediatric Physicians - Observe physicians as they see patients and devise a treatment plan for each case.
      2020 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Rutgers University, New Brunswick | Schools of Arts and Science — Peer Mentor - Provided guidance and support to undergraduate students regarding course load, social interaction, mental health issues, etc.
      2020 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital — Shadowing Family Medicine and Pediatric Physicians - Observe physicians as they see patients and devise a treatment plan for each case.
      2022 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Little Hands Unite — Little Hands Unite Founder
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Crisis Text Line — Crisis Text Line Crisis Counselor
      2023 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Women in Healthcare Scholarship
    Pursuing a degree in healthcare is very personal to me. As a first-generation Guyanese woman, I grew up seeing how difficult it could be for families to access healthcare and understand the medical system. My parents worked long hours, and from a young age, I often helped them by translating at doctor appointments, filling out paperwork, and making sure the medications they were perscribed were taken correctly. These experiences taught me responsibility, compassion, and the importance of helping others feel supported during difficult times. My passion for healthcare continued to grow through the people I cared for and worked with over the years. I had the opportunity to help care for children diagnosed with autism, and I learned how meaningful patience and kindness can be in someone’s life. I also worked in healthcare settings where I met patients and families going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. One experience that stayed with me was speaking with a mother whose child was diagnosed with leukemia. Even though I could not take away her fear, I realized how much comfort simple support and hope could provide. Experiences like these showed me that healthcare is not only about treating illnesses but also about caring for people emotionally and mentally. I chose the path of becoming a doctor because I want to be the kind of person who makes others feel safe, heard, and cared for. Growing up, I learned that many people do not always have access to proper healthcare, especially immigrant families and people from underserved communities. I want to help change that by providing compassionate care and giving back to communities that need support the most. In the future, I hope to participate in outreach programs and provide healthcare education and resources to families who may not have access to them. As a woman in healthcare and as a current medical student, I hope to make a positive impact by showing young girls, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, that they are capable of achieving their dreams no matter the obstacles they face. In many cultures, women are often expected to follow traditional roles, but I want to show that women can also become leaders, physicians, and advocates for change. Healthcare is more than just a career for me. It is a way to give back, support others during vulnerable moments, and create change in communities that need it most. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my desire to become a healthcare professional, and I know that through compassion, dedication, and service, I will be able to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.