Aaron Bae
Hometown: Edina, MN
Education: Brown University
MD Mentors: Dr. Eric Fenstad
Staff Mentor: Sarah Schwager
Projects: Clinical classification of patients with pulmonary hypertension in rural Minnesota
How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?
One of my friends was an MHIF intern a couple years ago and spoke very highly of his experience. Additionally, I was drawn to this internship because it uniquely combines the opportunity to participate in research with the opportunity to engage with top physicians in both clinical and non-clinical settings. I am very excited and grateful to be able to gain a more holistic understanding of the practice of medicine and medical research through this internship.
What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?
When I was a freshman in high school, my grandfather was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. While his doctor’s initial prognosis gave him only months to live, my grandfather was able to live much longer than he was originally expected to thanks to experimental cancer treatments. This gave my family the opportunity to spend more time with and say proper goodbyes to the backbone of our family. Medicine has a unique ability to make a difference in the lives of both an individual and those around them, and as a physician and a researcher, I hope to make an impact in the lives of others like my grandfather’s doctors did for my family.
What is your desired career in medicine?
While I’m not sure which specialty I’d like to pursue, I hope to someday become a physician so that I can combine my love of science with my strong desire to help and serve my community.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am most looking forward to observing, learning from, and working alongside top cardiac researchers this summer.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain a better understanding of clinical research and the practice of medicine, in addition to honing my scientific writing and presentation skills.
What are your plans after the summer?
After this summer, I will be returning to Brown University to complete my undergraduate studies. I plan on applying to medical schools next summer, and during my gap year, I hope to continue pursuing clinical research.
What is a fun fact about you?
I understand Latin (sort of)! I took Latin courses for a few years in middle school and high school.
