Anais Marenco
Hometown: Roswell, GA
Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MD Mentors: Dr. Steven Bradley
Staff Mentor: Kari Thomas
Projects: The impact of COVID on MHI Cardiology
How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?
I found this internship through Google searches as I was looking for opportunities to gain more exposure to clinical research. I chose to participate because the MHIF Internship stood out from other types of internships I have come across. Specifically, I was excited about the opportunity to engage with physicians directly in a clinical setting and work on clinical research.
What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?
It is hard to pinpoint how my interest in medicine started, but I have always been fascinated by doctors’ ability to treat patients and make an impact. In recent years, I have strengthened my interest in medicine and research by observing physicians, having conversations with doctors in various fields, and engaging in biomedical research. Additionally, my uncle is a cardiologist, and hearing about the amazing work he does has also contributed to my desire to become a doctor. Though I have not had much direct exposure to cardiology yet, I am excited to learn more about the heart and specific treatments in the field!
What is your desired career in medicine?
I would like to become a surgeon (exact specialty is undecided), and I am also interested in a pediatric field.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am most looking forward to the opportunity to work closely with my physician mentor, research team, and other interns. I expect that the internship will be a challenging, but rewarding experience where I can gain valuable skills and knowledge related to the medical field. In addition to research, I am looking forward to observation opportunities in the hospital and field trips with medical device companies.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I am excited to gain a stronger understanding of the day-to-day work of physicians as they treat patients in the hospital and conduct clinical research. Additionally, I hope to strengthen my research and communication skills while expanding my knowledge of specific cardiovascular diseases and treatments. I believe these experiences will help me understand what it takes to be a doctor and guide me in choosing a specific specialty in the future.
What are your plans after the summer?
I will go into my senior year at MIT, and I plan to take 1 gap year after graduation before going to medical school.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m a pole vaulter on MIT’s track team.
