Exploring Medicine: A Pursuit as a Saint Luke Scholar

From a very young age, I have always had a passion for medicine. My grandfather, a retired pulmonologist in India, always entertained me with his craziest stories. While he merely saw them as special moments from his time as a physician, each story rather sparked a flame in me that soon grew into a lifelong devotion to medicine. I became captivated by the ability to restore hope and mend more than bodies. This spirit carried over into high school, where I began volunteering in the emergency department of a local hospital. Now, as an incoming undergraduate freshman in the Saint Luke Scholars Pre-Medicine Pathways Program at Marian University, I’m excited to take the next step in turning this passion into a lifelong purpose. 

On a typical day of checking in and guiding patients to their destinations at the emergency department, I encountered an unusual patient. Her eyes brimmed with tears and seemed visibly frustrated. I approached her and asked, “What’s happening?” She explained that she had suffered an injury some time ago. Now, the hospital pharmacy was out of her prescribed pain medication, and the thought of enduring withdrawal terrified her. Although my options as a volunteer were limited to comforting her, this experience sparked an interest in researching further therapy methods for patients with substance abuse.  

By gaining this interest, I soon initiated a project with two of my close friends to program a brain addiction map. Our algorithms analyzed a patient’s fMRI scans alongside insights from behavioral assessments, such as movement patterns and emotional responses, to examine the mind, body, and behavior. The map colors brain areas, indicating greater vulnerability to substance abuse. During those seven months, we built a tool aimed at assisting physicians in planning treatment methods for patients struggling with addiction. 

Embracing healthcare from a perspective beyond direct patient care revealed to me the vastness of the field and deepened my commitment. As an avid high school senior, I discovered integrated medical programs. Out of the few I could apply to due to being on a visa, Marian’s Saint Luke Scholars Program stood out to me. I soon discovered that the values and faith upon which this program is built align with those that I grew up with. After applying, I was incredibly grateful and excited to be selected as a Direct Admit Osteopathic Scholar (conditionally being accepted to Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine).   

As part of the Saint Luke Scholars Program at Marian, I wish to not only explore the medical field, but also my place in it. By continuing to volunteer, pursuing research opportunities, and shadowing, I aim to deepen my understanding of the layers of care. Being part of a cohort of peers and mentors who will challenge me to think critically and lead with compassion will motivate me to grow into a stronger healthcare leader. I am confident that the extensive resources will allow me to grow into a physician who not only treats illnesses but also uplifts communities and advocates for change. I am very eager to join Marian University this fall as a freshman, and I look forward to all the new friends and experiences I will gain. From engaging in early clinical exposure to contributing to research that drives real change, I hope to make the most of every opportunity to improve, both as a future physician and as a person. 

About the Author

Shreyas Bulusu is a freshman at Marian University. He is a Saint Luke Scholar pursuing a major in Biology in the pre-med track. It is his dream to become a physician, and he is passionate about conducting research in medical imaging or computational neuroscience. In his free time, he loves participating in soccer, badminton, and spending time with friends.