Ibby Miyanoorwala
Hometown: Rosemont, MN
Education: University of Minnesota
MD Mentor: Dr. Alan Bank
Staff Mentors: Maddy Czeck, Dawn Witt
Project: Clinical CRT Optimization
How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?
I heard about this program from an intern in the previous cohort. We got in contact last year as I was looking to sublease my apartment, and we remained in touch for the rest of the summer. He told me about how incredible his experience was at MHIF, and I knew I had to apply! I wanted to participate in this internship as I had done bench research in the past, and I was looking to learn more about how scientific discoveries are applied in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?
Growing up, I witnessed the profound effects of cardiovascular disease and the challenges that it presents. Several years ago, my grandfather had a heart attack in Pakistan. Unfortunately, due to the lack of resources and quality healthcare within the area, my grandfather was not able to get the lifesaving medical attention he needed and passed away. A few years later, my father had a heart attack and received lifesaving treatment at United Hospital in St. Paul. These events sparked my interest in medicine and are a large part of why I want to pursue a career as a physician. I hope to make healthcare accessible to everyone throughout the world and positively impact patients’ lives, similar to the team of physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers who took care of my father.
What is your desired career in medicine?
I am open to exploring all medical specialties. In the past, I have done work related to cancer research, athletic medicine, and cardiovascular health, and I look forward to doing clinical research to broaden my perspective.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am looking forward to working closely with my mentors this summer. I’m excited to learn about the daily life of healthcare professionals through shadowing, observing an open-heart procedure, as well as forming close relationships with physicians and peers.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to learn more about how clinical research studies are designed and implemented and how they are used to improve patient care. Furthermore, I hope to create strong connections with physicians at MHIF and better understand how they manage their time to treat patients and advance medical knowledge through research.
What are your plans after the summer?
I plan to return to the University of Minnesota so I can complete my degree in Human Physiology. I will continue doing research on campus and will also begin working on my honors thesis.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am an only child and was born in Abbott Northwestern Hospital, which is the same hospital I will be working at this summer!
