Spotlight: Preethi Kannan

Preethi Kannan

Name: Preethi Kannan

Major: Public Health,  Business of Healthcare certificate

HCMP Role: Intern

Classification: Junior

Other Associations: Natural Sciences Council, PLUS, Biobricks

 

Describe a shadowing experience that has impacted you the most:

Shadowing Dr. Kerr at Dell Children’s PICU was the most educational medical experience I have had thus far. Aside from answering all of my questions and quizzing me alongside the medical students and residents, Dr. Kerr took the time to explain all of the cases in detail so I could follow along during rounds.
One of his cases in particular showed me how physicians handle ethical gray areas. The patient, undergoing treatment for non-congenital hydrocephalus, had not improved in a while. The mother wanted to discharge her child, which was not the medical team’s initial recommendation. What surprised me was how many medical professionals quickly came together to discuss the best option for the patient. Ultimately, they prepared a plan to safely transfer the patient and paperwork to another physician for a second opinion. An entire team of palliative care professionals also spoke to the mother. I admired how collaborative and outcome-driven the entire process was. By observing Dr. Kerr, I learned how important it is to truly listen to the patient/family’s desires and still achieve compromises in the best interest of the patient’s health.

How has HCMP benefited your professional or individual goals? 

Just a few months ago, I had absolutely no idea what specialty I wanted to pursue, let alone what a career in medicine truly looked like.  I had no exposure to the medical field outside of volunteering, so I had no one to ask questions about the path to becoming a doctor. HCMP has given me mentors who have helped me answer those questions and also empowered me to feel more confident about pursuing medicine. I found myself naturally drawn to many of the specialties, such as pediatric surgery, that I never previously considered.

What has been your favorite aspect of HCMP?

By far, the best thing about HCMP is the people in it. Something about bonding over Kerbey Lane pancakes and accidentally starting mini grease fires while grilling really brings you closer to everyone in this organization! In all seriousness, having an entire family of peers to share the highs and lows of shadowing and being pre-med has been invaluable.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy attending concerts, googling recipes that I never actually cook, spending time with my family, and listening to political podcasts.