Dr. Ashwini Chikhali, a Batch Chiron Graduate shares her experience about studying away from home. Dr. Ashwini is from Maharashtra, India, and her road to becoming a doctor demonstrates her devotion, resilience, and excitement for exploring new frontiers.

Growing up with a strong desire to help others. This lifelong passion inspired her to pursue her medical studies in the Philippines, where the school system is modeled after the American Academic Curriculum ultimately choosing GCM as her Alma Mater for her medical education.

Throughout her four-year journey , Ashwini faced various hurdles, including effective time management while juggling education, eating meals, getting enough sleep, and overall wellness. To meet these obligations as well as keeping her well-being in check she emphasized prioritizing her health by establishing a regular gym routine and including hiking into her schedule. Studying at cafes also increased her productivity and efficiency, helping her to strike a good balance while navigating the rigorous training program of medical school.

Ashwini's academic and cultural experiences in the Philippines exceeded her expectations. The country's distinct blend of preserving its cultural heritage and modernization boosted her academic experience and personal development. The indomitable 'Laban Lang' character of Filipinos inspired her to push her limits and strive for excellence.

Dr. Ashwini's time at GCM has been a life-changing series of events, learning important lessons that she believes will lead her honing the characteristics of becoming a Five Star Physician by being a healthcare provider, teacher, researcher, manager, and social mobilizer. Her holistic approach to healthcare, which emphasizes respect, compassion, and empathy for people of all backgrounds, has provided her with a diverse skill set and a strong dedication to making a positive difference in global healthcare.

Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Ashwini is motivated by a remark from Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer':

“ By studying cancer, we gain knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biology. We gather wisdom about life by observing the person with sickness."

This is a testament to her commitment to be in the service of humanity.