As a lifelong learner, Sarita Pattisam was inspired to pursue a career in medicine because of her love for science and helping others. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Otterbein University, she is now studying at Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Pattisam is interested in internal medicine and would eventually like to join a gastroenterology fellowship.

Born in Dublin and well-acquainted with Columbus, Pattisam calls this place home and feels supported by her extensive medical network, which offers her space to grow and learn.

Thanks to her school’s newsletter, she learned of the Columbus Medical Association and took immediate advantage of attending events to connect with local, like-minded physicians and future physicians. In October, she was one of three medical students selected to present the 50-year awards at the CMA’s Annual Celebration.

“It was a great honor to recognize such dedicated physicians who have spent their lives serving others,” she said. “Their careers embody lifelong learning and compassionate care, which are values I hope to emulate.”

Pattisam has also taken advantage of learning about all the opportunities available at the CMA’s Medical Student Specialty Fair.

“It was an amazing opportunity to connect one-on-one with physicians from a wide range of specialties and learn more about their unique paths in medicine.”

Outside of central Ohio, Pattisam draws inspiration from the late primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall as a leader with strong values that guided her career.

“Her compassion, curiosity, and lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting life are qualities I deeply admire.”

While her future is still being written, Pattisam knows her own values will be central in her career. In 50 years, she can see herself as a semi-retired gastroenterologist who volunteers at free clinics and tends to her horses on a small rural farm, using fresh ingredients to make the perfect sourdough bread from scratch, and skills from working as a wrangler in Wyoming during undergrad.