Kathryn Xu
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Education: Washington University in St. Louis
MD Mentors: Dr. JoEllyn Moore and Dr. Jay Sengupta
Staff Mentors: Jake Cohen and Sue Casey
Projects: 1) Accuracy of nationally reported data in EP procedures
2) MagSafe not so safe (cell phone interactions with implantable devices)
How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?
I found this internship online when looking for pre-med internships. I was especially intrigued by the shadowing components and the opportunity to get involved in a field of research that I haven’t explored yet.
What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?
I participated in a research program the summer after my freshman year. My project entailed working with patient lung samples, and it was the first time that I realized the impact that research has on actual patients’ lives. Through this program, I also got to shadow physicians in the children’s hospital multiple times and was able to follow the journeys of a few patients there. Witnessing the roles these physicians had in their patients’ lives solidified my passion for pursuing medicine. I took a class my sophomore year on physiological control systems where we explored the various pathways in the heart. I was so intrigued that heartbeat sounds are created by closing of valves, and this class remains one of the most interesting ones that I’ve taken in college.
What is your desired career in medicine?
I am undecided on what specialty I want to pursue, but my background in pediatrics research has pushed me in the direction of pediatrics.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am looking forward to getting to know all the other interns and learning more about the field of cardiology.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain more insight into clinical research and cardiology and discover whether or not I would want to pursue clinical research and/or cardiology in the future. Furthermore, I hope that I will make lasting relationships with my mentors and fellow interns.
What are your plans after the summer?
I will be finishing my senior year of college at Washington University in St. Louis and begin medical school applications!
What is a fun fact about you?
I love thrift flipping (making new clothes out of thrifted items).
