It wasn't until my younger brother's car accident that I realized how impactful a pediatrician's role can be. What seemed like a routine care visit quickly escalated when his pediatrician discovered a necrotic wound requiring prompt debridement. From guiding his care after surgery to being there when he removed the final silicone bandage, her dedication was evident. Her prompt judgment and intervention made all the difference, allowing him to pursue Judo in high school and become a state champion in Virginia—something that wouldn't have been possible without her care. I was inspired to become a pediatrician who created the same life-lasting impact on children and their families. My brother's recovery not only inspired my career choice but also motivated me to find ways to support children facing challenges, especially those with long-term medical conditions. This drove me to establish the Pitt Association for the Blind, where I worked closely with visually impaired students in our community. While these children shared a similar condition, I quickly learned that each person responded differently and required personalized care. It became clear how important it is to adjust care to fit each child's specific needs, something I've carried with me in every patient interaction since. I was able to actively apply these skills as a volunteer at UPMC Children's Hospital. One moment that I vividly recall is when I worked with an eight-year-old boy who had recently lost his ability to hear. He was frustrated by his inability to communicate, so I used a whiteboard and drew pictures to help him express his thoughts and feelings. Before I knew it, we were playing Mario Kart together in his room, and I realized how giving him a way to communicate also gave him more control over his care. I saw firsthand how important it is to find creative ways to communicate, which can be just as powerful as medical care itself. These experiences with my brother, the Pitt Association for the Blind, and UPMC inspired me to take my passion for pediatrics further by pursuing clinical research. Just as early action made a significant difference for my brother, I wanted to contribute to research that could help identify conditions sooner and improve outcomes for pediatric patients. I worked with Dr. Jirair Bedoyan on a project focused on using amino acid ratios to screen for Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency at an early stage. This project showcased how research can directly impact patient care, and I aim to continue making meaningful contributions as a physician, both in the clinic and beyond. During my pediatric residency, I hope to continue building on my ability to adapt care to each child's unique needs and provide thoughtful support to children and their families. Just as I've learned from my brother's experience, my time with students at the Pitt Association for the Blind, and my volunteer work at UPMC, I understand how critical it is to offer personalized care and creative communication. These experiences have taught me how much of a difference it makes when families feel confident and secure in their child's care. By combining my clinical skills, my passion for research, and a commitment to individualized care, I aspire to create a lasting impact on the next generation, just as my brother's pediatrician did for him

It wasn't until my younger brother's car accident that I realized how impactful a pediatrician's role can be. What seemed like a routine care visit quickly escalated when his pediatrician discovered a necrotic wound requiring prompt debridement. From guiding his care after surgery to being there when he removed the final silicone bandage, her dedication was evident. Her prompt judgment and intervention made all the difference, allowing him to pursue Judo in high school and become a state champion in Virginia—something that wouldn't have been possible without her care. I was inspired to become a pediatrician who created the same life-lasting impact on children and their families. My brother's recovery not only inspired my career choice but also motivated me to find ways to support children facing challenges, especially those with long-term medical conditions. This drove me to establish the Pitt Association for the Blind, where I worked closely with visually impaired students in our community. While these children shared a similar condition, I quickly learned that each person responded differently and required personalized care. It became clear how important it is to adjust care to fit each child's specific needs, something I've carried with me in every patient interaction since. I was able to actively apply these skills as a volunteer at UPMC Children's Hospital. One moment that I vividly recall is when I worked with an eight-year-old boy who had recently lost his ability to hear. He was frustrated by his inability to communicate, so I used a whiteboard and drew pictures to help him express his thoughts and feelings. Before I knew it, we were playing Mario Kart together in his room, and I realized how giving him a way to communicate also gave him more control over his care. I saw firsthand how important it is to find creative ways to communicate, which can be just as powerful as medical care itself. These experiences with my brother, the Pitt Association for the Blind, and UPMC inspired me to take my passion for pediatrics further by pursuing clinical research. Just as early action made a significant difference for my brother, I wanted to contribute to research that could help identify conditions sooner and improve outcomes for pediatric patients. I worked with Dr. Jirair Bedoyan on a project focused on using amino acid ratios to screen for Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency at an early stage. This project showcased how research can directly impact patient care, and I aim to continue making meaningful contributions as a physician, both in the clinic and beyond. During my pediatric residency, I hope to continue building on my ability to adapt care to each child's unique needs and provide thoughtful support to children and their families. Just as I've learned from my brother's experience, my time with students at the Pitt Association for the Blind, and my volunteer work at UPMC, I understand how critical it is to offer personalized care and creative communication. These experiences have taught me how much of a difference it makes when families feel confident and secure in their child's care. By combining my clinical skills, my passion for research, and a commitment to individualized care, I aspire to create a lasting impact on the next generation, just as my brother's pediatrician did for him