Varshitha Tumkur Panduranga, MD

Varshitha Tumkur Panduranga, MD ’24, was pulled towards medicine early on thanks to her childhood growing up on her family’s poultry farm in Mysore, Karnataka, India. Living close to nature and animals was an integral part of her upbringing, and this environment fostered her love for biology.

Another inspiration for Dr. Varshitha was her uncle, Dr. Srinivasan Ravindranath, a practicing cardiologist in Dubai. From a young age, she looked up to him for the impactful work he did and the positive influence he had on his patients’ lives. His dedication and compassion motivated Dr. Varshitha to aspire to make a similar difference in people’s health and well-being.

Since graduating from SGU School of Medicine, Dr. Varshitha is joining over 300 SGU grads who are beginning residency in New York and New Jersey hospitals and addressing a critical need.

SGU News sat down with Dr. Varshitha to learn more about her journey to practicing medicine in the US.

SGU: What did it feel like to match?

Dr. Varshitha: I was absolutely thrilled that I had secured a spot at my top-choice residency program. This achievement feels like the realization of a long-held dream. Every ounce of effort and every sacrifice made along the way has culminated in this moment of joy. The overwhelming happiness that my family and I felt was beyond words. It’s a deeply gratifying experience that I will cherish forever.

SGU: How did SGU help you prepare for residency? 

Dr. Varshitha: Since day one, SGU has prepared me for residency. Through a comprehensive two-year basic sciences curriculum, I was thoroughly equipped for success in the USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams. Furthermore, SGU’s extensive network of hospital affiliations offered invaluable opportunities to me to connect with physicians across various specialties. With rigorous evaluations such as NBMEs and OSCEs, I feel confidently prepared for the knowledge and practical components of residency underscoring SGU’s ability to lay a solid foundation for residency.

SGU: Why did you want to practice in the US? How did SGU help you reach your goal?

Dr. Varshitha: My goal was to pursue a medical residency in the US, which is known for its advancements in medicine. As a non-US citizen, the journey was challenging, but SGU’s hospital affiliations and networking opportunities were invaluable. I had the chance to experience the healthcare systems in Grenada, the UK, and the US during my rotations. It was during my fourth-year elective rotations that I met exceptional mentors who guided me through the application process for internal medicine residency, ultimately helping me match into my top choice. SGU provided me with the resources and support necessary to achieve my lifelong dream.

SGU: Why SGU? 

Dr. Varshitha: Pursuing a medical residency in the United States has always been a dream for me. When I discovered SGU, I found an abundance of opportunities that allowed me to accomplish this goal. As a non-US citizen, the challenge of securing residency in the US can be daunting, but SGU offers a track to achieve it. With its high match rates at US residencies and extensive hospital affiliations, SGU provided me with a convenient route to residency. The chance to engage in global education by rotating at hospitals both in the UK and the US was invaluable, enriching my cultural awareness and ultimately shaping me into a more proficient physician.

SGU: What are you most looking forward to in residency? 

Dr. Varshitha: During residency, I look forward to advancing my abilities as a physician and refining both my theoretical understanding and practical skills. The hospital where I have matched serves an underserved population, and I am eager to work in that environment and make a meaningful impact on their lives. I also aim to expand my research pursuits and learn from esteemed physicians.

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