The CMA Board of Directors includes a medical student because we believe we must elevate future physician leaders by giving them a voice at the table today. Medical student Nooruddin Sahal Pracha joined the CMA Board of Directors in June 2025. Pracha is an M.D. candidate at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
For me, medicine felt like a calling. After seeing close family members, like my uncle, suffer from preventable conditions such as a heart attack, I realized how much of an impact early intervention and education could have. While not every ailment can be cured or stopped, many can be prevented, and there's still a lot of work to be done to close those gaps.

Why did you choose OSU Medical School?
Ohio State has been my home away from home since undergrad. After nearly eight years here, I feel like I know this place like the back of my hand. It’s where I’ve grown both personally and professionally, and I knew it would continue to support me as I developed into the kind of physician I want to become.

What are your areas of clinical/professional interest?
I’m drawn to internal medicine/pediatrics, especially complex cases that require detailed problem-solving and continuity of care such as in congenital cardiology. I'm also passionate about global health, quality improvement, and leveraging technology in healthcare to better serve those in underserved or low-resource settings.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Columbus?
Paulie Gee’s. The Short North location’s wood-fired pizza is unbeatable. It’s the first place I recommend when friends or family visit.

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
I like photography, exploring new places, and experimenting in the kitchen. I also enjoy biking outside as a way to reset.

What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
Before high school, I moved nearly every two years — I’ve lived in five states, and visited 37 states and 22 countries.

If you could have dinner with any historical or medical figure, who would it be and why?
Napoleon. Not just because of his influence on history, but because I’d be fascinated to understand how he thought, both as a strategist and a leader navigating constant pressure and change.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Someone once reminded me of Maya Angelou’s quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It reminds me that no matter how busy things get, how I make someone feel in a moment can leave a lasting impact.