Vennela Avula
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MD Mentors: Dr. Emmanouil Brilakis
Staff Mentors: Judit Karacsonyi and Bavana Rangan
Projects: Prospective Global Registry of Complications of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?
I came across this internship online as I was researching opportunities for undergraduate students to dive into clinical research. The unique opportunity to deeply explore a clinical specialty while conducting research motivated me to apply.
What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?
My interest in scientific research began in high school when I attended a summer camp and ended up doing neuroscience research with a local professor. Since then, I have been able to explore many different fields of research and have enjoyed learning different methods and techniques. Later on, I was drawn to medicine for the vast range of opportunities to apply evidence-based research. The possibility to use research to create direct positive impacts on patient’s health excited me. My interest in cardiology stems from the depth of opportunities in both clinical and basic science research. I am fascinated by the field’s constant advances in technologies that make significant changes in patient’s lives.
What is your desired career in medicine?
Unsure as of now, still open to many specialties!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Learning more about cardiovascular research and shadowing physicians.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
A deeper understanding of cardiology and clinical research.
What are your plans after the summer?
To attend the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine starting August 2021.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love practicing yoga and recently became certified to teach!
