Hello! My name is Natalie Eichner and I am currently a first year medical student at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. I grew up in the Washington D.C. area and attended college/graduate school at the University of Virginia (Wahoowa!). While in school at UVa, I found my passion for using exercise as a form of "medicine" and became involved in clinical research to better understand how exercise can be prescribed to prevent and treat various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Seeing how exercise empowered different types of patients from diverse backgrounds and cultures inspired me to chase my dream of becoming a physician. Unfortunately, most healthcare providers are provided little instruction on how to help their patients incorporate lifestyle changes into their everyday lives in order to lead healthier and happier lives. I chose to pursue a career in medicine to change the way physicians talk to our patients about things like prevention, lifestyle (physical activity, nutrition, stress management) and even quality of life. I want to be a part of the change that our healthcare system needs to move forward.

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy
• Entrepreneurship

• Softball

  Junior Varsity

  2008 – 2010

• Track & Field

  Varsity

  2010 – 2011

• Graduate Researcher, 35+ publications and conference abstracts

  University of Virginia Applied Metabolism and Physiology Lab · Exercise Physiology

  2015 – 2019

  Research topic:

  Extracellular Vesicles

• Health Course Coordinator

  Volunteering · Salvation Army

  2019 – Present

  Mission:

  Health Education

• Lifestyle Educator

  Volunteering · PSU College of Medicine LionCare Free Clinic

  2019 – Present

  Mission:

  LionCare is a student-run, non-profit, free clinic dedicated to serving the medical, psychological, and health needs of the underserved in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

• Coordinator

  Volunteering · Milton Hershey School Project Fellowship

  2019 – 2020

  Mission:

  The Milton Hershey School nurtures and educates children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Many students do not have any family or support network nearby, so relationships built through Project Fellowship help them feel rooted and offer a sense of belonging.

• Community Outreach Chair, President

  Volunteering · Women in Medicine Initiatives

  2011 – 2014

  Mission:

  Provide young women with mentoring and networking opportunities to learn more about careers in healthcare.

• Coach

  Volunteering · Special Olympics

  2011 – 2014

  Mission:

  To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

• Assist with exercise sessions and education

  Volunteering · University of Virginia Children’s Hospital Children’s Fitness Clinic “Go-Girls!”

  2014 – 2016

  Mission:

  "Go Girls!" is a fun, dance-based exercise and support program for girls at risk for weight-related medical problems (those who have excess weight, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes).