Parnika Sakthivel

Biography

"Change your thoughts and you change the world" - adapted from Norman Vincent Peale

Health is a field which is absolutely vital existence yet simultaneously riddled with complex and even contradicting assertions and theories. This perplexing combination is what captured my interest in this discipline.

Throughout my degree, I have aimed to explore the area of health from various perspectives by taking a diverse course load, engaging in various forms of research, and pursuing other opportunities for study. I intend to continue exploring these perspectives, from the social to the scientific, technological and more to gain a deep yet far-encompassing understanding of this subject.

I am also deeply passionate about community service and thoroughly enjoy combining this with my love of working with children. I lead a nonprofit organization called the Spruce Kids Club, dedicated to fostering leadership skills in children while giving back to the community. I also work as a music teacher, volunteer with Science Fundamentals, and recently acted as an advisor for the development of the Cumming School of Medicine Strategic Plan. I believe ‘service’ can be actioned in many different ways, and that we all have both the power and responsibility to implement service - however it may look - in our own lives, regardless of our chosen life path.

My ultimate future aspiration is to revolutionize our approach to health care. While this consists of multiple elements, a key element is to make prevention as equal a priority as treatment by teaching individuals how to understand and care for their health. Utilizing education in this way grants patients true autonomy - something considerably lacking in our current system - while creating a more sustainable solution to health in the long-term.

In my free time, I love to travel, analyze music, and spend time in nature. I am also always looking to meet new people, so please reach out!

Awards

• PURE Summer Studentship Award - 2023
• Fraser Noseworthy Award - 2023
• Cumming School of Medicine Dean's List - 2022, 2023
• Finalist for TD Scholarship for Community Leadership - 2021
• Semi Finalist for Loran Award - 2021