Session 9

In this episode of the Med School Years Podcast, we sit down with Harshini, a rising second-year medical student at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Harshini shares how her gap year MBA, undergraduate research, and leadership experiences helped shape her med school journey—and how she’s navigating life as a new medical student.

Why Harshi Got an MBA Before Starting Medical School

Before starting med school, Harshini completed an MBA during her gap year—a decision inspired by a friend and by what she witnessed during hospital volunteering. “I realized how important it is to understand healthcare from both a clinical and administrative perspective,” she says.

That business training came in handy. From communication and leadership skills to feeling more confident speaking up in class, Harshini says her MBA made her a stronger, more prepared med student.

Adding a Psychology Degree for Personal Growth

While her original major was biology, Harshini added a BA in psychology because she genuinely enjoyed the subject. “I took classes like social psychology and found them fascinating. I wasn’t thinking about what would look good for med school—I just wanted to keep learning.”

Her interest in psychology led to research in adolescent development and social anxiety, and that early exposure has informed her understanding of mental health in medicine today.

Building Leadership Skills and Getting Involved with AMSA

At Cooper, Harshini quickly got involved in leadership roles, including serving as the Global Health Scholars Program Director for AMSA and working with street medicine outreach.

One key takeaway she shares for premed students: “Leadership really matters. It’s not just for your med school application—it helps you advocate for causes you care about and grow your voice as a future physician.”

What Surprised Her Most About Medical School

Like many students, Harshini expected medical school to be intense—and it is. “It really does feel like drinking from a fire hose,” she admits. But what surprised her most was how supportive the environment has been.

“I didn’t expect our class to feel so cohesive. Everyone helps each other out, and the faculty is always willing to support us.”

She also emphasizes the importance of strong advising systems and peer mentorship, especially for first-generation or out-of-state students like herself.

How Talking to Current Students Helped Her Choose a Med School

Before committing to Cooper, Harshini spoke with current students to get a real feel for the school. “You can only learn so much from a website,” she says. “Talking to someone who’s actually living it helped me figure out my priorities and what I needed to thrive.”

Support, service learning opportunities, and a strong sense of community were what sold her on Cooper Medical School.

Career Exploration and Finding the Right Specialty

Harshini is currently leaning toward internal medicine, with possible interest in becoming a hospitalist or pursuing a subspecialty. Early exposure through Cooper’s career exploration system, shadowing programs, and small group learning has helped her identify what she enjoys—and what she doesn’t.

“I loved my internal medicine rotation,” she says. “I liked seeing a variety of cases and connecting with patients, and the flexibility within the field is really appealing.”

Making the Most of Summer After M1

This summer, Harshini is staying busy with remote research projects, a public health class, and some light cardio block review. She’s also using the time to shadow more physicians and explore potential specialties.

“I’m trying to stay engaged without burning myself out,” she says. “It’s about keeping that balance.”

Her First Patient Encounter as a Med Student

One of Harshini’s most memorable moments was seeing her first patient during a free clinic shift just a month into med school. “That’s when it hit me—I’m actually doing this,” she says.

She shares how different it felt from her premed clinical experiences, and how much she’s learned about taking patient histories and understanding social determinants of health.

Staying Balanced Through Wellness and Community

Even with a demanding schedule, Harshini makes time for wellness—whether it’s exploring Philly with classmates, spending weekends with family, or building friendships with her small group.

“Our ALGs feel like a little family,” she says. “They’ve definitely helped me stay grounded.”

Harshi’s Advice for Premeds and New Med Students

“Don’t stress, and be intentional about what you say yes to,” Harshini says. Her advice for students applying to med school or starting M1? Focus on building a theme in your application around what really interests you—whether that’s research, advocacy, or primary care—and choose opportunities that align with your values and goals.

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