Addressing Healthcare Disparities: Yash Gulani, SOM '29
School and Major: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, MD/MBA Candidate
Estimated Graduation Date: 2029
Clubs or Organizations: SAMSA, ViSION, Greeters Program, Garrett Surgical Society, Thomas College
Why did you choose JHU, and what’s next for you? I chose Johns Hopkins because of its unparalleled commitment to medical innovation, research, and clinical excellence. The institution’s strong emphasis on mentorship, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative learning environment made it the ideal place for me to grow as both a clinician and a researcher. I hope to deepen my involvement in ophthalmology research, particularly focusing on the intersection of healthcare economics, medical device innovation, and surgical education. I will also be pursuing an MD/MBA, where I hope to leverage my medical training to drive improvements in healthcare systems and medical technology.
What skills are you learning at Hopkins that will be of value your whole life? At Hopkins, I am developing skills that will be invaluable throughout my career. Through team-based learning and clinical experiences, I am honing my ability to collaborate effectively with diverse healthcare teams. My research and coursework are strengthening my critical thinking and data analysis skills, particularly in the realm of health economics and medical decision-making. The fast-paced nature of medical school is also teaching me adaptability and resilience, essential traits for navigating the complexities of patient care and innovation. Most importantly, early clinical exposure is helping me refine patient-centered communication, ensuring I can connect with and advocate for patients throughout my career.
What unique experiences or achievements have shaped your educational journey so far?
One of the most formative experiences in my journey was working on MediCircle, a startup aimed at improving access to oral chemotherapy drugs. Through this experience, I gained firsthand insight into the systemic challenges in healthcare, from disparities in access to inefficiencies in care delivery. It became clear to me that driving meaningful change as a physician requires not only clinical expertise but also an understanding of healthcare systems, policy, and economics. This realization has shaped my academic interests, leading me to pursue research in health economics and industry influences on medical decision-making. At Hopkins, I am excited to continue exploring the intersection of medicine, business, and policy, equipping myself with the tools to not only treat patients but also contribute to broader healthcare improvements.
Are there any professors that have made a lasting impact on you?
Anna Aizer, professor of economics at Brown University.
Dr. Arun Venkatesan, professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.