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Profiles

Name: Ariba Jahan
Class Year: 2014
Hometown: Queens, NY
Undergraduate Institution: Syracuse University
Degree: : BS, Bioengineering
Scholarships/Awards:
Syracuse University: The Student Life "Live It" Award for Excellence in Leadership (2008)
Syracuse University: Remembrance Scholarship, highest honor bestowed to selected 35 undergraduate seniors (2008)
Syracuse University's Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program: Reinventing Scholarship Award (2008)
First place in poster competitions at conferences:
Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate: Gathering of Science Scholars Conference Poster Competition (2006)
Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program: Statewide Student Conference Poster Competition (2005)
Hobbies: Knitting, running, cooking and reading (non textbooks)
Favorite Movie: The Little Rascals

What influenced your decision to pursue a career in Medicine?
My decision to pursue a career in medicine was definitely multifactorial. As a bioengineering undergraduate, I always found it remarkable how collaborations of multidisciplinary paths such as engineering, chemistry, and cellular biology allowed medical research to become dynamic in how it perpetuates the teachings and the clinical applications of the scientific discoveries. However, it’s the "human engagement" that I witnessed through my clinical experiences that solidified my commitment to pursue medicine as a physician.

What has been your most gratifying moment in medical school so far?
At University Hospital, I shadowed a neurosurgeon, a thoracic surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon who were immensely dedicated to educating their students. Thus, allowing me to see the various dimensions of their respective fields: patient care, preventive and diagnostic measures and treatment options. I was impressed by how each physician was committed to delivering targeted treatments as well as engaging and educating their patients throughout their encounter.

What faculty or staff member has most positively affected your experience at Upstate Medical University thus far? Why?
I am extremely thankful and grateful to many staff and faculty members at Upstate for their continuous support in my education. Dr. Susan Stearns has been profoundly important to my time at Upstate. I have known her since my undergraduate years and to this day I can still rely on her to share with me her insightful advice, guidance and support.

What has been your most challenging aspect of medical school thus far? Why?
It is true what they say, it's the volume! As a bioengineering major, I spent most of my time solving problems. But in medical school, managing the volume of the material became the major challenge. However, over time I have found my own strategies to tackle the material more efficiently.

If you could pass along any advice to an incoming Upstate Medical University medical student, what would it be?
Work hard!
But, don't just devote your time to the books. I highly recommend you to expose yourself to clinical experiences that are made available through Upstate as well as getting involved in a student organization that meets your interest. Allow yourself the chance to develop and grow professionally, academically and personally.

What experience in medical school has surprised you the most?
My medical academic tenure has taught me the many dimensions of being a physician and the profound depth to which we impact another human being. I witnessed the importance of such dimensions through my experiences with close family members battling illnesses. The combination of my professional and personal experiences during medical school has allowed me to evolve as an individual and to solidify the roles I want to embody as a future physician.

What are your aspirations following medical school?
I intend on pursuing postgraduate training in Surgery, either a specialization into surgical oncology or orthopedic surgery.

What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to catch up with my family and friends.

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